Related Experiment Videos
Helium ion therapy for choroidal melanoma
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|June 1, 1982
Summary
Helium ion-charged particle radiation therapy showed promising results for choroidal melanoma, with most patients experiencing stable disease or tumor shrinkage. This treatment may offer a viable alternative with potentially lower ocular side effects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Choroidal melanoma is a rare intraocular malignancy.
- Current management options include radioactive plaques and photocoagulation, each with limitations.
- The optimal treatment strategy for choroidal melanoma remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of helium ion-charged particle irradiation for choroidal melanoma.
- To compare charged-particle irradiation with existing treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma were treated with helium ion-charged particle external-beam irradiation.
- Tumor response was assessed by stability or shrinkage.
- Long-term follow-up data, including tumor regression rates and ocular morbidity, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Thirty-six out of 40 patients (90%) exhibited stable disease or tumor shrinkage.
- Seventeen out of 18 patients (94%) with at least one year of follow-up demonstrated tumor regression.
- Mean tumor shrinkage was approximately 40%.
Conclusions:
- Helium ion-charged particle irradiation is an effective treatment for choroidal melanoma, leading to significant tumor regression.
- This modality may offer advantages over radioactive plaques and photocoagulation, potentially reducing ocular morbidity.