[Treatment of conjunctival epithelial tumors: brachytherapy with ruthenium-106]

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of conjunctival epithelial tumors is not standardized because it is difficult to compare large series in this rare disease. Surgical excision is usual, but the recurrence rate has led several authors to propose alternative therapies.

Patients and methods: During the past 20 years, brachytherapy using ophthalmic applicators has been developed and the results of different studies have confirmed the usefulness of this therapy. We report a retrospective study of 13 patients presenting with a conjunctival epithelial tumor treated with ruthenium106 applicators and followed up in our department since 1987.

Results and conclusion: There was no recurrence during a mean follow-up of 48 months. Complications depended on the size of the area treated and the dose of radiation.