BACKGROUND: An increasing number of orbital recurrences after TTT have been reported; the aim of our paper was to present our long-term results after a maximum follow-up of 8 years and 2 months. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Among 18 eyes, 10 tumors were classified as small, and 8 as medium sized (with a maximum prominence of 5.6 mm): 5 melanomas had a juxtapapillary location, 6 a macular (or juxtamacular) location, and 7 were located in the midperiphery of the fundus. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 7 years in seven tumors a complete regression (scar formation) could be achieved, and in six a partial regression (with a maximum residual prominence of 2.9 mm) could be seen. In three patients a recurrence was treated either by another TTT or a Ruthenium-106 plaque; in another two recurrences, enucleation had to be performed. In none of the cases has an orbital recurrence occurred so far. CONCLUSION: To prevent recurrences, adequate technique and appropriate selection of patients are mandatory in our opinion (no tumors higher than 3 mm). The higher the tumor prominence, the greater the chance of recurrences. Amelanotic melanomas and macular melanomas seem to respond poorly to thermotherapy.
BACKGROUND: An increasing number of orbital recurrences after TTT have been reported; the aim of our paper was to present our long-term results after a maximum follow-up of 8 years and 2 months. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Among 18 eyes, 10 tumors were classified as small, and 8 as medium sized (with a maximum prominence of 5.6 mm): 5 melanomas had a juxtapapillary location, 6 a macular (or juxtamacular) location, and 7 were located in the midperiphery of the fundus. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 7 years in seven tumors a complete regression (scar formation) could be achieved, and in six a partial regression (with a maximum residual prominence of 2.9 mm) could be seen. In three patients a recurrence was treated either by another TTT or a Ruthenium-106 plaque; in another two recurrences, enucleation had to be performed. In none of the cases has an orbital recurrence occurred so far. CONCLUSION: To prevent recurrences, adequate technique and appropriate selection of patients are mandatory in our opinion (no tumors higher than 3 mm). The higher the tumor prominence, the greater the chance of recurrences. Amelanotic melanomas and macular melanomas seem to respond poorly to thermotherapy.
Authors: Carol L Shields; Jacqueline Cater; Jerry A Shields; Aning Chao; Hatem Krema; Miguel Materin; Luther W Brady Journal: Arch Ophthalmol Date: 2002-07
Authors: Y M Bartlema; J A Oosterhuis; J G Journée-De Korver; R E Tjho-Heslinga; J E E Keunen Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2003-11 Impact factor: 4.638
Authors: E Richtig; G Langmann; G Schlemmer; K Müllner; G Papaefthymiou; P Bergthaler; J Smolle Journal: Ophthalmologe Date: 2006-06 Impact factor: 1.059