Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery yields good long-term outcomes for low-volume uveal melanomas without intraocular complications

J Clin Neurosci. 2010 Apr;17(4):441-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2009.08.004. Epub 2010 Feb 2.

Abstract

We present the outcomes of 35 uveal melanoma patients treated with gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery. All cases were previously untreated. During follow-up, regular MRI examinations were used to detect any changes in tumor size and estimate the local long-term tumor control rate. Treatment-related complications were also recorded. During follow-up, systemic dissemination was observed in two patients, one of whom died of metastases. The most frequent complication was retinal detachment (17.1%). Three patients required enucleation. Cumulative 1-year and 3-year local tumor growth control rates were 97% and 83%, respectively. The mean and median times to local tumor progression were 48.0 and 51.7 months, respectively. Gamma knife surgery may be a suitable alternative for the treatment of low-volume uveal tumors without intraocular complications, as the control rate and long-term outcomes compare favorably with those of surgical excision and brachytherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology*
  • Radiosurgery / adverse effects*
  • Retinal Detachment / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uveal Neoplasms / surgery*