[The potential for organ-preserving treatment in large uveal melanoma]

As compared with enucleation, organ-preserving treatment (photocoagulation, local excision, radiotherapy) of uveal melanoma doesn't worsen the prognosis for the patient's life. However, it was used chiefly for tumors of stages T1-T2, the prominence of the tumor not exceeding 4-5 mm. The purpose of the present communication was a study of the possibility of organ-preserving beta radiotherapy for treatment of uveal melanomas T3, the prominence of the tumor exceeding 5 mm. A new Soviet beta applicator (ruthenium-106, rhodium-106) was used for treatment of 21 patients with melanoma T3N0M0, who had refused enucleation. Average summary doses on the surface of the sclera were 1561 +/- 41 Gr. Clinical results (the follow-up period ranging from 12 to 20 months) were the following: total resorption of the tumor--3 cases; the volume of the tumor reduced by 1/2 and more--9 cases, by less than 1/2--7 cases; the size of the tumor remained unchanged--2 cases. Enucleation was made in 2 patients 3 and 4 months after radiation. The results obtained have shown beta therapy to be effective in some cases of uveal melanoma T3, this allowing to widen indications to organ-preserving treatment.