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[Trans-pupillary hyperthermia of malignant choroid melanoma. Initial experiences]
H Schneider1, K Fischer, R F Fietkau
1Universitäts-Augenklinik Rostock.
Unlabelled:
The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) to treat choroidal melanoma.
Patients And Methods:
Twelve patients with choroidal melanoma were treated. Four with small tumors close to the posterior pole received TTT alone; 8 were treated simultaneously with TTT and Ru-106 brachytherapy. To perform TTT a diode laser with a beam diameter of 3 mm was used. Exposure time ranged from 60 to 90 s until the retinal surface became light gray. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1-month intervals. If the tumor was partially regressed, additional TTT was performed to reach the endpoint of a chorioretinal scar.
Results:
All tumors exhibited a reduction of tumor height in a maximal follow-up period of 6 months. Four cases showed complete regression within 3 months. Side effects were minimal.
Conclusions:
Treatment with TTT may be useful as a complementary modality to brachytherapy. A longer follow-up time is necessary for final evaluation.