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Transpupillary thermotherapy in choroidal melanomas
J A Oosterhuis1, H G Journée-de Korver, H M Kakebeeke-Kemme
1Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) shows promise in reducing choroidal melanoma tumor height with minimal side effects. Further research is needed for definitive evaluation of this complementary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Choroidal melanoma is a rare intraocular malignancy.
- Standard treatments like brachytherapy may have limitations or insufficient response rates.
- Novel therapeutic approaches are needed for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) as a treatment for choroidal melanoma.
- To assess TTT's role as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with existing treatments.
Main Methods:
- TTT was performed using diode laser energy (810 nm) with specific beam parameters and exposure duration.
- The study included 12 patients with choroidal melanoma.
- Treatment strategies varied, including TTT alone, TTT combined with ruthenium-106 brachytherapy, and TTT for tumors unresponsive to prior brachytherapy.
Main Results:
- Tumor height reduction was observed in 11 out of 12 patients within a 3 to 14-month follow-up period.
- Side effects associated with TTT were generally minimal.
- Severe visual loss occurred in a small number of patients due to radiation retinopathy, foveal involvement, or serous retinal detachment.
Conclusions:
- Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) demonstrates potential as an effective adjunctive treatment for choroidal melanoma.
- TTT may be a valuable complementary modality to ruthenium-106 brachytherapy.
- Longer follow-up studies are necessary to fully ascertain the long-term efficacy and safety of TTT.