Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026
Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
Photodynamic therapy as initial treatment for small choroidal melanomas
F Jmor1, R N Hussain1, B E Damato2
1Liverpool Ocular Oncology Clinic, St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Purpose:
To evaluate Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) as primary treatment for small, posterior choroidal melanoma.
Design:
Retrospective cohort review.
Subjects, Participants And Controls:
Retrospective case note review of 20 patients with small juxtapapillary and juxtafoveal choroidal melanomas treated with PDT at the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Clinic.
Methods:
Patient and tumour characteristics, PDT session details, visual acuity and B-scan ultrasonography measurements as well as colour fundus photographs at each examination were collated and analysed.
Main Outcome Measures:
Local tumour control and Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA).
Results:
The 20 patients (14 male, 6 female) had a mean age of 61.2 years (range, 40-85) and were treated between 2001 and 2012. Seven tumours were amelanotic, while 13 were pigmented. Of 20 melanomas, 11 (55%) showed complete regression on B-scan ultrasonography and colour photography; five (25%) showed partial regression; four (20%) remained unchanged and two (10%) showed further growth, for which alternative standard treatment was required. Baseline BCVA was 0.1 logMAR (mean; range 0.0-0.6) compared to a post-PDT BCVA of 0.4 logMAR (mean; range -0.2 to 1.7) over a follow-up of 60.0 months (mean; range 25-156 months).
Conclusions:
PDT can induce tumour regression in a significant proportion of small, posterior, choroidal melanomas but is less reliable than other forms of therapy. It may have a role in patients with special visual requirements if they accept the increased risk of treatment failure requiring radiotherapy.
Insights
Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) can achieve tumor regression in some small choroidal melanomas. However, PDT is less reliable than other treatments and may require further radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Choroidal melanoma is a rare eye cancer.
- Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a primary treatment for small, posterior choroidal melanomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort review of 20 patients with small choroidal melanomas treated with PDT.
- Analysis of patient and tumor characteristics, PDT details, visual acuity, and imaging data.
Main Results:
- Tumor regression observed in 80% of patients (11 complete, 5 partial).
- Two cases (10%) required alternative treatment due to tumor growth.
- Mean visual acuity decreased post-PDT, with a mean follow-up of 60 months.
Conclusions:
- PDT can induce tumor regression in a significant proportion of small choroidal melanomas.
- PDT is less reliable than other therapies and may necessitate further treatment.
- PDT might be considered for patients with specific visual needs, accepting a higher risk of treatment failure.
