New radiotherapeutic techniques in nuclear ophthalmology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Ocular tumors, particularly melanoma, present unique treatment challenges.
• Conventional radiotherapy modalities include beta and gamma emitters, cobalt-60 (60Co), iodine-125 (125I), and charged particles.
• Limitations exist in achieving precise tumor targeting and minimizing damage to surrounding healthy ocular tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging radiotherapeutic techniques for ocular tumors.
• To highlight novel approaches utilizing biomolecules for targeted isotope delivery to ocular melanoma.
• To discuss the potential of specific agents like thiouracil and iodine in enhancing radiation therapy efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ocular tumor radiotherapy.
• Discussion of targeted radionuclide therapy using biomolecular conjugates.
• Exploration of neutron capture therapy and Auger cascade stimulation.
• Investigation of boron delivery for neutron capture therapy.

Main Results:

• Thiouracil demonstrates potential due to its incorporation into melanin during melanoma growth.
• Iodine incorporation into DNA, followed by photon activation, shows in vitro efficacy for radiosensitization and Auger cascade stimulation.
• Biomolecules, including thiouracil, can transport boron for targeted neutron capture therapy (10B (n, alpha) 7Li reaction).

Conclusions:

• Biomolecular targeting of radioactive or stable isotopes represents a promising advancement in ocular melanoma radiotherapy.
• Thiouracil and iodine-based strategies offer enhanced selectivity and efficacy.
• Targeted radionuclide delivery and neutron capture therapy hold significant potential for improving ocular tumor treatment outcomes.