Extrascleral Tumor Extension of Choroidal Melanoma
Sometimes a choroidal melanoma can eat through the wall of the eye and extend into the orbit. In these cases, it is reasonable to assume that microscopically small cancer cells are left behind in the orbit after enucleation surgery. This "just published" research reports on a new method to treat those residual orbital cells with implanted high-dose-rate radiation.
High-dose-rate means a faster treatment. External beam therapy for extrascleral tumor extension of choroidal melanoma can take 5 to 6 weeks. In contrast, though surgical, this new technique was finished in just 5 days.
Though a small series, the authors found no cases of orbital tumor growth. However, when compared with their experience with external beam treatment, there was much less orbital tissue shrinkage and little eyelash or eyebrow loss. The results showed improved cosmetic outcomes.
For more information contact the journal "Brachytherapy" or the authors.
Extrascleral extension of choroidal melanoma: Post-enucleation high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy of the orbit.
Finger PT, Tena LB, Semenova E, Aridgides P, Choi WH.
Brachytherapy. 2013 Oct 17. doi:pii: S1538-4721(13)00345-0. 10.1016/j.brachy.2013.09.002. [Epub ahead of print]
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High-dose-rate means a faster treatment. External beam therapy for extrascleral tumor extension of choroidal melanoma can take 5 to 6 weeks. In contrast, though surgical, this new technique was finished in just 5 days.
Though a small series, the authors found no cases of orbital tumor growth. However, when compared with their experience with external beam treatment, there was much less orbital tissue shrinkage and little eyelash or eyebrow loss. The results showed improved cosmetic outcomes.
For more information contact the journal "Brachytherapy" or the authors.
Extrascleral extension of choroidal melanoma: Post-enucleation high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy of the orbit.
Finger PT, Tena LB, Semenova E, Aridgides P, Choi WH.
Brachytherapy. 2013 Oct 17. doi:pii: S1538-4721(13)00345-0. 10.1016/j.brachy.2013.09.002. [Epub ahead of print]
Receive the latest news and opportunities from The Eye Cancer Foundation. Please fill out the form below.
