Preliminary results of proton beam irradiation of macular and paramacular melanomas. Issue 7 (July 1984)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gragoudas, E S; Goitein, M; Seddon, J; Verhey, L; Munzenrider, J; Urie, M; Suit, H D; Blitzer, P; Johnson, K N; Koehler, A
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 68:Issue 7(1984)
• Page Start: 479
• Page End: 485
• Publication Date: 1984-07
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.68.7.479
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Proton beam irradiation has been used for the treatment of 60 eyes with choroidal melanomas located 3 mm or less from the fovea. The average follow-up period was 18 months. 86% of the treated lesions showed regression at the time of this analysis, and the 14% that did not were followed up for less than a year. Visual acuity remained the same in 47% of the treated eyes, improved in 20%, and deteriorated in 33%. 58% of the treated eyes had visual acuity of 20/100 or better at the last follow-up examination. Radiation vasculopathy with macular oedema was the most common complication, and it was observed in 22% of the treated eyes. These preliminary observations suggest that proton beam irradiation may be a reasonable alternative to enucleation even for this group of choroidal melanomas, which is considered unfavourable in respect of the preservation of visual function.