Iodine-125 radioactive airway stent

The Iodine-125 radioactive airway stent is a combination medical device and radiopharmaceutical developed by researchers at Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University. It consists of a self-expandable metallic tracheobronchial stent (available in L, I, or Y configurations) with radioactive Iodine-125 seeds secured to its outer surface in specialized sheaths. The device is designed to treat malignant airway obstruction by providing immediate mechanical relief of the blockage while simultaneously delivering continuous, low-dose-rate intraluminal brachytherapy. The gamma radiation emitted by the Iodine-125 seeds (which have a half-life of approximately 60 days) targets tumor cells to inhibit proliferation and reduce the risk of restenosis. Clinical evaluation in a Phase 2 prospective randomized controlled trial demonstrated improved median survival and reduced restenosis rates compared to conventional bare metal stents.

Other names

125I-loaded airway stentRadioactive tracheal stent125I-RBMS