Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Photodynamic therapy (PDT), currently used for the treatment of age related macular degeneration, was originally developed for tumor therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PDT on choroidal melanoma. Methods: Five patients with choroidal melanoma, who showed no response or recurrence after previous plaque therapy and transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) were treated with photodynamic therapy in a pilot study. Treatments were performed using a diode laser at 692 nm and 6 mg/m2 BSA Verteporfin (VisudyneTM) as a photosensitizer. One PDT treatment was applied initially. Patients were controlled over a period of 5 to 12 months with visual acuity measurements and dilated ophthalmoscopy. Ultrasound-, ICG- and fluorescein angiographic images were evaluated. Results: Following treatment one tumor decreased in size, two remained the same and two continued to grow necessitating enucleation. Conclusion: Of five eyes that had failed conventional brachytherapy and TTT three have been salvaged (to date) with one PDT treatment. Longer follow-up is needed to see if PDT can play a role in the management of choroidal melanoma.