Paul T Finger1. 1. The New York Eye Cancer Center, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and the New York University School of Medicine, New York 10065, USA. pfinger@eyecancer.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To use amniotic membranes as a buffer between the cornea and radioactive eye plaques. METHODS: Six melanomas were treated with ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy. Plaque-tumor localization required that a portion of the gold plaque touch the cornea during treatment. To enhance patient comfort and protect the cornea, an (0.1-mm-thick) amniotic membrane was interposed between the metal plaque edge and the cornea. RESULTS: Minimal ocular discomfort was noted during plaque radiation therapy. On a scale of 1 (none) to 10 (severe), all 6 patients reported pain levels of 1. As a tissue equivalent and because the mean thickness was only 0.1 mm, amniotic membranes had no significant effect on radiation dose calculations. No adverse effects, infections, or abrasions were noted. CONCLUSION: The amniotic membrane buffer technique improves patient comfort and protects the cornea during ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVE: To use amniotic membranes as a buffer between the cornea and radioactive eye plaques. METHODS: Six melanomas were treated with ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy. Plaque-tumor localization required that a portion of the gold plaque touch the cornea during treatment. To enhance patient comfort and protect the cornea, an (0.1-mm-thick) amniotic membrane was interposed between the metal plaque edge and the cornea. RESULTS: Minimal ocular discomfort was noted during plaque radiation therapy. On a scale of 1 (none) to 10 (severe), all 6 patients reported pain levels of 1. As a tissue equivalent and because the mean thickness was only 0.1 mm, amniotic membranes had no significant effect on radiation dose calculations. No adverse effects, infections, or abrasions were noted. CONCLUSION: The amniotic membrane buffer technique improves patient comfort and protects the cornea during ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy.
Authors: Wu Liu; Jenna May Kim; Benjamin K Young; Ravinder Nath; Zhe Chen; Roy H Decker; Melvin A Astrahan; Renelle Pointdujour-Lim Journal: Ocul Oncol Pathol Date: 2018-10-11