Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of ruthenium-106 ( 106 Ru) brachytherapy in terms of radiation parameters in patients with thick uveal melanomas.Material and methods: Medical records of 51 patients with thick (thickness ≥ 7 mm and < 11 mm) uveal melanoma treated with 106 Ru brachytherapy during a ten-year period were reviewed. Radiation parameters, tumor regression, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and treatment-related complications were assessed.Results: Fifty one eyes of 51 consecutive patients including 25 men and 26 women with a mean age of 50.5 ± 15.2 years were enrolled. Patients were followed for 36.1 ± 26.5 months (mean ± SD). Mean radiation dose to tumor apex and to sclera were 71 (± 19.2) Gy and 1269 (± 168.2) Gy. Radiation dose rates to tumor apex and to sclera were 0.37 (± 0.14) Gy/h and 6.44 (± 1.50) Gy/h. Globe preservation was achieved in 82.4%. Preoperative mean tumor thickness of 8.1 (± 0.9) mm decreased to 4.5 (± 1.6) mm, 3.4 (± 1.4) mm, and 3.0 (± 1.46) mm at 12, 24, and 48 months after brachytherapy (p = 0.03). Four eyes that did not show regression after 6 months of brachytherapy were enucleated. Secondary enucleation was performed in 5 eyes because of tumor recurrence or neovascular glaucoma. Tumor recurrence was evident in 6 (11.8%) patients. Mean Log MAR (magnification requirement) visual acuity declined from 0.75 (± 0.63) to 0.94 (± 0.5) (p = 0.04). Best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse was recorded in 37% of the patients at the time of diagnosis and 61.7% of the patients at last exam (p = 0.04). Non-proliferative and proliferative radiation-induced retinopathy was observed in 20 and 7 eyes.Conclusions: Thick uveal melanomas are amenable to 106 Ru brachytherapy with less than recommended apex radiation dose and dose rates.
Ruthenium-106 plaque radiotherapy is an effective and safe method of treatment for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas. The incidence of permanent visual loss is low with prompt treatment of complications.
Corneal patch graft by anterior corneal button from Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty donor tissue results in successful restoration of globe integrity and satisfactory cosmetic appearance in patients with scleral necrosis secondary to plaque radiotherapy.
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