Radiation-induced oral mucositis is the major side reaction of iodine-125 seed implantation.

Topical aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy is suitable for the treatment of brachytherapy-induced oral mucositis.

Most of oral cancer patients suffer of loco-regionally advanced disease untreatable by surgery.

Radioactive iodine-125 seed implantation has emerged as an effective treatment approach for locally advanced oral cancer. Nevertheless, some brachytherapy associated side reactions were reported, even at a relatively low initial radiation treatment volume. Radiogenic oral mucositis has been a concerning side effect of this treatment method. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential viable therapeutic strategy of oral mucositis. Herein, we report a case of 73-year-old male patient with ventral tongue and floor-of-the mouth cancer treated by iodine-125 implantation. Thereafter, this patient experienced radiation-induced oral mucositis. After being treated with four sessions of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) PDT, this case was completely cured and followed up for 6-month with no recurrence.

Oral mucositis

Iodine-125

Photodynamic therapy

Brachytherapy

© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.