[Transpupillary thermotherapy of choroidal melanoma]

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) to treat choroidal melanoma.

17 patients with choroidal melanoma were treated, 6 patients with small tumors close to posterior pole received TTT only 11 patients were treated simultaneously with TTT and Ru 106 brachytherapy. To perform TTT a diode laser with a beam diameter of 1.5 to 3 millimeters was used. Exposure time ranged from 60 to 90 seconds until a light grey appearance of the retinal surface was reached. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1-month intervals. If the tumor was partially regressed additional TTT was performed to reach the endpoint of a chorioretinal scar.

All tumors exhibited a reduction of tumor height in a mean follow-up period of 14.25 months. Side effects were minimal.

Treatment with TTT may be useful as a complementary modality to brachytherapy. A longer follow-up time is necessary for final evaluation.