Current results of proton beam irradiation of uveal melanomas

Journal Article · Thu Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1985 · Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0161-6420(85)34058-7· OSTI ID:5566351

Gragoudas, E S; Seddon, J; Goitein, M; Verhey, L; Munzenrider, J; Urie, M; Suit, H D; Blitzer, P; Koehler, A

Proton beam irradiation has been used for the treatment of 241 uveal melanomas over the past 7 1/2 years. Twelve melanomas (5%) were small, 99 (41%) medium, 103 (43%) large and 27 (1%) extra-large melanomas. The mean length of follow-up was 21 months and the median 15 months. Ninety-four percent of the treated lesions with a follow-up more than two years and 65% of tumors with shorter follow-up showed regression. The most recent visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 47% and 20/100 or better in 66%. Ten eyes were enucleated because of complications (9) or continued tumor growth (1). Thirteen patients developed metastases from 4 to 50 months of treatment. Our data indicate that proton irradiation can be used to treat melanomas of various sizes and in a variety of locations, and preliminary results suggest that proton therapy has no deleterious effect on the likelihood of the development of metastases.

• Research Organization: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 5566351
• Journal Information: Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States), Journal Name: Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.); (United States) Vol. 92:2; ISSN OPHTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550603* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Therapy-- (1980-)
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BEAMS
BODY
BODY AREAS
DISEASES
EYES
FACE
HEAD
MEDICINE
MELANOMAS
METASTASES
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
NUCLEON BEAMS
ORGANS
PARTICLE BEAMS
PATIENTS
PROTON BEAMS
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SENSE ORGANS
SIDE EFFECTS
THERAPY
USES
UVEA