Techniques and results of 106Ru/106Rh radiation of choroidal tumours

After a survey of the literature on the therapy of choroidal melanomas the authors report on the technique and results of 106Ru/106Rh irradiation in 42 eyes with choroidal melanoma and 2 metastatic uveal tumours treated between 1980 and 1983. The technique is limited to tumours with a prominence of 5 to 6 mm and maximum extension of 18 mm. After an observation time of 12 to 36 months total tumour regression was found in 24 cases of melanoma and 2 metastatic tumours. Nine cases needed a second irradiation, 4 cases an additional photocoagulation. Because of multiple metastases 1 patient with an advanced tumour (11 mm of prominence, only eye) died 1 year after treatment.