Stereotactic radiosurgery of uveal melanomas: preliminary results with Gamma Knife treatment

Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 1995:64 Suppl 1:72-9. doi: 10.1159/000098766.

Abstract

Twelve cases of uveal melanoma (T3N0M0:11 patients, T4N0M0:1 patient) treated with Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery are reported. Our protocol includes preoperative ocular and systemic assessments with complete ocular examination, ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, fluorangiography, standardized echography, CT and MRI, chest X-rays, liver echography and blood tests. The follow-up program is mainly based on echographic evaluation of tumor thickness and size. The procedures include fixation of the eye, application of the stereotactic Leksell frame G, CT/MRI localization of the melanoma, dose planning and treatment with the Gamma Knife (B type). A mean surface dose of 55 +/- 10 Gy was administered at the 60-90% isodose curve using 4- to 14-mm collimators and a number of shots ranging from 1 to 6. A significant reduction (10-41%) in echographic thickness of the tumor was shown in 6 cases with a follow-up of 3-12 months. In 4 patients, the tumor size was still unchanged after 1-10 months. The single high-dose radiation delivered to the target and the high spatial accuracy are the main advantages of stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of posterior uveal melanomas. A longer followup is needed to further validate this new application of Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Melanoma / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiosurgery* / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uveal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Uveal Neoplasms / surgery*