New techniques for iodine-125 radiotherapy of intraocular tumors

Low-energy radiation sources, such as iodine-125, are suitable for treating choroidal melanoma because of their physical characteristics. Iodine-125 emits x-rays and gamma-rays between 27 and 35 keV. Gold plaques can direct radiation toward the tumor and minimize radiation to normal ocular structures. Effective treatment requires the cooperation of the ophthalmologist, radiotherapist, and radiation physicist. The preparation of the radioactive plaque and methods for its accurate surgical placement are detailed.