Photodynamic therapy for vasoproliferative tumors of the ocular fundus

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of vasoproliferative lesions. Methods: 3 male patients (age range: 52–61) affected by unilateral vasoproliferative lesion located postequatorally were treated with PDT using verteporfin at a dosage of 6mg/m² body surface administered intravenously. A laser beam at 689 nm was applied to the retina 15 minutes after infusion. A radiant exposure at 100 J/cm² was applied to the lesions. Ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanin green angiography (ICGA) and ultrasonography were performed before treatment and at follow–up examination. Results: Ultrasound examination showed a remarkable reduction of tumor height in all cases. Internal reflectivity remained stable (middle to high) during follow–up. FA evidenced reduction of leakage from the lesion. ICGA verified the nonperfusion of the vascular channels. Conclusions: PDT is a minimally invasive but effective method of treatment for vasoproliferative lesions located postequatorally.

Keywords: photodynamic therapy • tumors • retina