Beta-Ray Application to the Eye*

Scleral complications of plaque brachytherapy for pterygium and for uveal melanoma

“…We would like to thank Dr Xiradis and colleagues for the comments 1 to our paper about the radiation induced scleral necrosis (RISN) after brachytherapy of uveal melanoma (UM). 2 The authors draw a parallel between data of scleral necrosis (SN) associated with pterygium excision and adjunctive brachytherapy with Strontium-90 ( 90 Sr) and RISN following brachytherapy with Ruthenium-106 ( 106 Ru) and Ruthenium-106 -Iodine-125 ( 106 Ru -25 I) plaques in UM.…”

“…Therefore, there were no cases with RISN and infectious scleritis in our series. 2 Another points highlighted by Xiradis et al 1 are the management and outcome of RISN, including the risk of RISN related endophthalmitis. Severe thinning of the exposed irradiated sclera might increase the risk of endophthalmitis in patients with RISN, eventually due to inapparent microperforation.…”

“…1 In contrast, beta radiation for pterygia treatment traditionally uses Strontium-90 ( 90 Sr). 2 In clinical ophthalmology, the use of 90 Sr was first described in 1950 by Friedell in the treatment of superficial benign tumours such as papillomas of the lids and conjunctiva, as well as vascular abnormalities such as haemangiomas. 2 Although both 106 Ru and 90 Sr primarily emit beta radiation, such that they have similar effects on ocular tissue, they have different levels of ocular penetration, with 90 Sr penetrating less than 106 Ru.…”

“…2 In clinical ophthalmology, the use of 90 Sr was first described in 1950 by Friedell in the treatment of superficial benign tumours such as papillomas of the lids and conjunctiva, as well as vascular abnormalities such as haemangiomas. 2 Although both 106 Ru and 90 Sr primarily emit beta radiation, such that they have similar effects on ocular tissue, they have different levels of ocular penetration, with 90 Sr penetrating less than 106 Ru. 2 90 Sr brachytherapy reduces the rate of tumour recurrence when used in conjunction with primary surgical excision of pterygium.…”

Practical Aspects of Radioactive Isotopes in Relation to Medical Treatment

“…An applicator utilizing the beta-ray-emitting isotope Sr90 of half-life 25 years with its daughter product Y'0 has been described by Friedell, Thomas, and Krohmer (1950), and has been employed in the treatment of superficial lesions of the eye.…”