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Published on: February 6, 2019
Long-term results of low-dose proton beam therapy for circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas
Christine Levy-Gabriel1, Livia Lumbroso-Le Rouic, Corinne Plancher
1Department of Ocular Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France. christine.levy@curie.net
Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term efficacy and outcome of low-dose proton beam irradiation in the treatment of symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.
Patients And Methods:
Retrospective review of 71 patients with symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas treated by proton beam irradiation between September 1994 and October 2002 using a total dose of 20 Cobalt Gray Equivalent.
Results:
The median follow-up was 52 months (8-133 months). Retinal reattachment was obtained in all cases. Tumor thickness decreased in all cases and a completely flat scar was obtained in 65 patients (91.5%). Visual acuity was improved by two lines or more in 37 of the 71 patients (52%), and in 30 of the 40 patients (75%) treated within 6 months after onset of the first symptoms. The main radiation complications detected during follow-up were cataract (28%) and radiation-induced maculopathy (8%). None of the 71 patients developed eyelid sequelae or neovascular glaucoma.
Conclusion:
Proton beam irradiation with a total dose of 20 Cobalt Gray Equivalent appears to be a valid treatment for circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas, inducing definitive retinal reattachment and decreasing tumor thickness. However, delayed radiation-induced maculopathy may occur. A successful functional outcome is dependent on a short interval between onset of the first symptoms and initiation of therapy.
