A simple experimental technique for interstitial iridium-192 high dose-rate afterloading is described which allows to perform experimental brachytherapy on a rat tumor model. To illustrate the possibilities and limitations of the technique, rhabdomyosarcoma R1H of the rat were subjected to a combined brachy- and teletherapy treatment applying a total dose of 60 Gy in fractions of 2 Gy. The results show that the surgical procedure had no influence on tumor response. However, would healing was considerably disturbed in animals which received afterloading treatment.
