Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
05:08
Targeted and Selective Treatment of Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Teratomas Using External Beam Radiation in a Small-animal Model
Published on: February 17, 2019
6.6K
Whole anterior segment proton beam radiotherapy for diffuse iris melanoma
Lazaros Konstantinidis1, Dawn Roberts, R Douglas Errington
1Ocular Oncology Service, Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 10, 2013
Summary
Whole anterior segment proton beam radiotherapy (PBR) effectively treated diffuse iris melanoma in 12 patients, showing no recurrence. However, most patients required glaucoma treatment, and some experienced vision issues or stem cell deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Diffuse iris melanoma is a rare intraocular tumor.
- Treatment options for diffuse iris melanoma include enucleation, plaque radiotherapy, and proton beam radiotherapy (PBR).
- PBR offers precise radiation delivery to the anterior segment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of whole anterior segment PBR for diffuse iris melanoma.
- To assess treatment outcomes, including tumor control, visual acuity, and ocular complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 12 patients with diffuse iris melanoma treated with whole anterior segment PBR between 2000 and 2011.
- PBR delivered radiation to the entire iris and ciliary body.
- Follow-up included assessment of tumor recurrence, visual acuity, glaucoma, and limbal stem cell deficiency.
Main Results:
- No tumor recurrence was observed in any patient during a median follow-up of 3.5 years.
- 11 out of 12 patients required glaucoma treatment.
- Visual acuity outcomes varied, with some patients maintaining good vision and others experiencing significant loss; 4 patients developed treatable limbal stem cell deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Whole anterior segment PBR is a viable alternative to enucleation for diffuse iris melanoma.
- Management of secondary glaucoma and potential ocular surface complications is crucial.
- Long-term monitoring for visual acuity and ocular health is recommended.
