Clinicopathologic report of successful cobalt 60 plaque therapy for choroidal melanoma

A 66-year-old man had malignant melanoma of the choroid that enlarged during a two-year period while a retinal detachment developed. Treatment consisted of a cobalt 60 plaque placed to deliver a dose of 35,000 rads to the base and 9,000 rads to the apex of the tumor. Clinical response was excellent and complete regression occurred. The patient later died of an unrelated disease. Histopathologic study verified complete regression of the tumor.