High intensity 125-iodine (125I) plaque treatment of uveal melanoma

Ocular complications with the use of radium-223: a case series

Background

Radium-223 is used for the treatment of osseous metastases in castrate-resistant prostate cancer, and has been shown to increase time to the first skeletal-related event, reduce the rate of hospitalization, and improve quality of life. It is well tolerated, with hematologic toxicity as the main adverse event. Thus far, no ocular complication has been reported in the literature after initial administration of radium-223 with a single case reported of ocular complications after a patient’s second course of radium-223.

Case presentations

We present three cases of ocular complications after the use of radium-223 in patients with metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma. Ocular complications presented as blurry vision, and formal diagnosis included uveitis and hyphema.

Conclusions

Documentation of adverse events is exceedingly important due to the high incidence of metastatic prostate cancer and increasing interest for the use of radium-223 in other osteoblastic disease. The authors postulate that these ocular complications may be a result of radiation’s potential effect on neovascularization, polypharmacy, or the biomolecular effects of radium-223 on integral signaling proteins, potentially coupled with poor underlying ocular health.

Short-term changes of cornea and tear film after ruthenium-106 plaque therapy for intraocular tumors

Purpose:

Plaque therapy is a well-recognized treatment for intraocular tumors. In current study, we aimed to prospectively investigate the short-term effects of ruthenium 106 (Ru-106) plaque therapy on the cornea and ocular surface parameters.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma which undergone Ru-106 plaque therapy from 2016 to 2018 were included. Tear osmolarity, tear film break-up time, Schirmer test I, fluorescein dye staining based on Oxford staining method; Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and corneal specular microscopy were performed. These tests were assessed preoperatively and then 3 months postoperatively.

Results:

The mean (±SD) age of subjects was 48.52 ± 15.18 years. The patients were followed for a mean(±SD) period of 3.64 ± 2.40 months. Total mean (+SD) delivered radiation dose to the tumor apex and total received radiation by the sclera was 83.20 ± 26.31 and 640.65 ± 472.69 Gray (Gy), respectively. In longitudinal analysis, OSDI score and Oxford staining score increased significantly (P = 0.002 for both variables) and the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) increased from 20% preoperatively to 72% at 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.001).The changes in the all specular microscopy parameters were statistically nonsignificant (all P values > 0.05).

Conclusion:

There is a considerable increase in the rate of DED following plaque therapy for the treatment of choroidal melanoma in short-term follow-up. The OSDI questionnaire and fluorescein staining test are valuable tools for early detection of DED postoperatively.

Iatrogenic Ocular Surface Diseases Occurring during and/or after Different Treatments for Ocular Tumours

Simple Summary

The ocular surface represents a finely regulated system that allows the protection of the eye. It can be affected by therapies used for the treatment of various intraocular tumours, particularly conjunctival cancers and uveal melanoma. In these conditions, treatments are chosen according to the characteristics of the lesion, and include a combination of selective surgery, anticancer eye drops, and/or radiotherapy delivered through different mechanisms. Possible side effects affecting the ocular surface range from transient dry eye or keratitis up to more severe complications such as corneal melting and perforation. These complications deserve careful evaluation for the risk of permanent sight-threatening sequelae. Physicians involved in the management of patients affected by ocular tumours should be aware of this risk in order to reach an early diagnosis and promptly set up an adequate treatment. The present review summarizes acute and chronic complications affecting the ocular surface following different therapies for the treatment of conjunctival cancers and uveal melanoma, and also reports clinical cases of representative patients who experienced these complications.

Abstract

The ocular surface represents a finely regulated system that allows the protection of the eye. It is particularly susceptible to different treatments for intraocular tumours, such as uveal melanoma and conjunctival cancers. Traditionally, the management of ocular tumours depends on the characteristics of the lesion, and is based on a combination of selective surgery, topical chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy delivered through different mechanisms (e.g., charged-particle radiotherapy or brachytherapy). Possible complications involving the ocular surface range from transient dry eye disease or keratitis up to corneal melting and perforation, which in any case deserve careful evaluation for the risk of permanent sigh-threatening complications. Clinicians involved in the management of these patients must be aware of this risk, in order to reach an early diagnosis and promptly set up an adequate treatment. The present review of the literature will summarize acute and chronic complications affecting the ocular surface following different therapies for the treatment of ocular tumours.

Regression of posterior uveal melanoma following iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy based on pre-treatment tumor apical height

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze regression rates and local control of uveal melanoma patients treated with iodine-125 ( 125I) brachytherapy based on initial tumor apical height.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients treated in a single institution from January 1st, 1996 to 2019 with 125I plaques (ROPES and COMS) for uveal melanoma were included in this study. Patients treated with brachytherapy for iris and those treated with transpupillary thermotherapy prior to brachytherapy were excluded. The sample was classified into 4 categories depending on initial apical tumor height (h0), i.e., h0 ≤ 2.5 (small), 2.5 < h0 ≤ 6.25 (small-medium), 6.25 < h0 ≤ 10 (medium-large), and h0 > 10 mm (large). Percentage of original tumor apical height (Δh) was collected during follow-ups. Patterns of regression were evaluated using linear least squares adjustments. Multivariable Cox regression were performed.

RESULTS

In total, 305 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 27, 166, 100, and 13 were considered for small, small-medium, medium-large, and large categories, respectively. Median follow-up was 82.4, 56.8, 76.1, 89.1, and 100.1 months for the entire cohort and each sub-group, respectively. Pattern of decrease when h0 ≤ 2.5 mm was not detectable. For the rest sub-groups, changes in height could be fitted using functional form: Δh (T) = ae-bT + c, R 2 ≥ 0.97. Multivariate Cox analysis factors predictive of local control failure revealed a hazard ratio (HR) of 6.1 (95% CI: 0.7-58.2%, p = 0.05) for patients who remained similar sized after treatment for small-medium tumors. For the rest sub-groups, Cox analysis did not indicate statistical significance in any single variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Height changes can be modeled by a negative exponential function for the first 7 years after treatment depending on the initial height, except for those less than 2.5 mm. Non-responding small-medium tumors multiply by 6 the probability of failure in local control.

Changes in meibum composition following plaque bachytherapy for choroidal melanoma

Objectives

Dry eye is common when external beam radiation is used for the treatment of choroidal melanoma (CM). As meibum structure and composition have been related to dry eye, we determined if plaque bachytherapy for CM alters meibum composition.

Design

¹H-NMR spectroscopy was used to measure the lipid composition of meibum.

Setting

The University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Participants

All 13 participants had CM and one participant had iris melanoma.

Main outcome measures

Cholesteryl ester (CE) to wax ester (WE) ratio, amount of meibum esters (ME) and meibum lipid saturation were measured.

Results

ME decreased by 80%±18% (±99% CI) in 11 eyes that were treated compared with the contralateral untreated eye. ME increased by 181% in two eyes that were treated compared with the contralateral untreated eye. The mole % CE/WE for meibum was significantly (p<0.0001) 67% lower in eyes that were irradiated compared with control eyes from donors without CM and were not treated. Plaque brachytherapy induced the de-esterification of CE. The intensity of the meibum cis double bond resonances did not change significantly (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Eyes that had plaque brachytherapy had a lower amount of expressible meibum and a lower CE/WE ratio compared with meibum from the contralateral eye that received no treatment and eyes that did not have uveal melanoma. Both the quality and quantity of meibum should be considered in designing a therapy for dry eye after plaque brachytherapy.

AVATAR: Analysis for Visual Acuity Prediction After Eye Interventional Radiotherapy

AIM

The aim of this study was to detect clinical factors predictive of loss of visual acuity after treatment in order to develop a predictive model to help identify patients at risk of visual loss.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) with 106Ru plaque for primary uveal melanoma. A predictive nomogram for visual acuity loss at 3 years from treatment was developed.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients were selected for the study. The actuarial probability of conservation of 20/40 vision or better was 0.74 at 1 year, 0.59 at 3 years, and 0.54 at 5 years after treatment. Factors positively correlated with loss of visual acuity included: age at start of treatment (p=0.004) and longitudinal basal diameter (p=0.057), while distance of the posterior margin of the tumor from the foveola was inversely correlated (p=0.0007).

CONCLUSION

We identified risk factors affecting visual function and developed a predictive model and decision support tool (AVATAR nomogram).

Silicone Oil and Iodine-125 Brachytherapy for Uveal Melanoma in High-Risk Patients

Purpose

Silicone oil a burgeoning adjuvant in the treatment of uveal melanoma where it is used for tissue protection during I-125 brachytherapy. While risk factors in the development of radiation retinopathy (RR) have been identified, treatment modulation for high-risk patients has largely been overlooked. We seek to expand the literature on this subject by reporting outcomes of I-125 brachytherapy with silicone oil in a high-risk population in the community setting.

Methods

Five patients with uveal melanoma and at least one risk factor for RR development underwent iodine-125 (I-125) plaque brachytherapy with concurrent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), silicone oil administration, and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Plaque and silicone oil removal were performed after seven days. Minimum follow-up was 12 months.

Results

Follow-up ranged from 12 to 56 months. Macular radiation doses ranged from 12.55 to 141.5 Gy; the two eyes with the largest doses developed RR at 34 and 15 months as well as neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Surgical complications included one rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) and an intra-operative vitreous hemorrhage with post-operative hyphema requiring additional intervention.

Conclusion

RR may be attenuated by silicone oil administration in patients with some risk factors. In tumors farther from the macula, this benefit is more readily apparent. Tumors located more posteriorly may not benefit from silicone oil administration considering postoperative complications and operating time. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and anticipated macular radiation dosage may help determine which patients can benefit from silicone oil and identify patient risks for adverse outcomes.

Animal models of radiation retinopathy - From teletherapy to brachytherapy

Radiation retinopathy is a serious vision-impairing complication of radiation therapy used to treat ocular tumors. Characterized by retinal vasculopathy and subsequent retinal damage, the first sign of radiation retinopathy is the preferential loss of vascular endothelial cells. Ensuing ischemia leads to retinal degradation and late stage neovascularization. Despite the established disease progression, the pathophysiology and cellular mechanisms contributing to radiation retinopathy remain unclear. Clinical experience and basic research for other retinal vasculopathies, such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, can inform our understanding of radiation retinopathy; however, the literature investigating the fundamental mechanisms in radiation retinopathy is limited. Treatment trials have shown modest success but, ultimately, fail to address the cellular events that initiate radiation retinopathy. Animal models of radiation retinopathy could provide means to identify effective therapies. Here, we review the literature for all animal models of radiation retinopathy, summarize anatomical highlights pertaining to animal models, identify additional physiological factors to consider when investigating radiation retinopathy, and explore the use of clinically relevant tests for studying in vivo models of radiation retinopathy. We encourage further investigation into the mechanistic characterization of radiation retinopathy in the hope of discovering novel treatments.

Outcomes of choroidal melanomas treated with eye physics plaques: A 25-year review

PURPOSE

To review long-term outcomes of the University of Southern California Plaque Simulator (PS) software and Eye Physics (EP) plaques. We hypothesize that the PS/EP system delivers lower doses to critical ocular structures, resulting in lower rates of radiation toxicity and favorable visual outcomes compared to Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study plaques, while maintaining adequate local tumor control.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Retrospective review of 133 patients treated for choroidal melanoma with ¹²⁵I brachytherapy, using PS software and EP plaques, from 1990 through 2015. A dose of 85 Gy at a rate of 0.6 Gy/h was prescribed to the tumor apex (with a typical margin of 2 mm) over 7 days. Primary outcomes were local tumor recurrence, globe salvage, and metastasis. Secondary outcomes were changes in visual acuity and radiation complications.

RESULTS

With median followup of 42 months, 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimated rates for tumor control, globe salvage, and metastatic-free survival were 98.3%, 96.4%, and 88.2%, respectively. Median doses to the macula and optic nerve were 39.9 Gy and 30.0 Gy, respectively. Forty-three percent of patients developed radiation retinopathy, and 20% developed optic neuropathy; 39% lost ≥6 Snellen lines of vision.

CONCLUSIONS

The PS/EP system is designed to improve the accuracy and conformality of the radiation dose, creating a steep dose gradient outside the melanoma to decrease radiation to surrounding ocular structures. We report favorable rates of local tumor control, globe salvage, metastases, and radiation complications when compared to the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study and other studies. Overall, the PS/EP system results in excellent tumor control and appears to optimize long-term visual and radiation-related outcomes after brachytherapy.

Radiobiological doses, tumor, and treatment features influence on outcomes after epiescleral brachytherapy. A 20-year retrospective analysis from a single-institution: part II

PURPOSE

To assess the influence of the radiobiological doses, tumor, and treatment features on retinopathy, cataracts, retinal detachment, optic neuropathy, vitreous hemorrhage, and neovascular glaucoma at the authors' institution after brachytherapy for posterior uveal melanoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Medical records of 243 eyes with uveal melanoma, treated by iodine brachytherapy between 1996 and 2016 at a single center were analyzed. Clinical and radiotherapy data were extracted from a dedicated database. Biologically effective dose (BED) was included in survival analysis performed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regressions. Relative survival rates were estimated, and univariate/multivariate regression models were constructed for predictive factors of each item. Hazard ratio and confidence interval at 95% were determined. Variables statistically significant were analyzed and compared by log-rank tests.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 73.9 months (range, 3-202 months). Cumulative probabilities of survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis at 3 and 5 years, respectively, were: 59% and 48% for retinopathy; 71% and 55% for cataracts; 63% and 57% for retinal detachment; 88% and 79% for optic neuropathy; 87% and 83% for vitreous hemorrhage; 92% and 89% for neovascular glaucoma, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, statistically significant risk factors were: age, tumor apical height, dose to foveola, and location of anterior border for retinopathy; age, dose to lens, type of plaque, and tumor shape, for cataracts; age, tumor apical height, and size of the plaque for retinal detachment; age, plaque shape, longest basal dimension, and BED to optic nerve for optic neuropathy; age, tumor apical height, and tumor shape for vitreous hemorrhage; tumor apical height and BED to foveola for neovascular glaucoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor factors in addition to radiation treatment may contribute to secondary effects. Enhanced clinical optimization should evaluate radiobiological doses delivered to the tumor volume and surrounding normal ocular structures.

Radiobiological doses, tumor, and treatment features influence on local control, enucleation rates, and survival after epiescleral brachytherapy. A 20-year retrospective analysis from a single-institution: part I

PURPOSE

To assess influence of the radiobiological doses, tumor, and treatment features on local control, enucleation rates, overall and disease-specific survival rates after brachytherapy for posterior uveal melanoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Local control, enucleation, overall and disease-specific survival rates were evaluated on the base of 243 patients from 1996 through 2016, using plaques loaded with iodine sources. Clinical and radiotherapy data were extracted from a dedicated prospective database. Biologically effective dose (BED) was included in survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regressions. The 3-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year relative survival rates were estimated, and univariate/multivariate regression models were constructed for predictive factors of each item. Hazard ratio (HR) and confidence interval at 95% (CI) were determined.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 73.9 months (range, 3-202 months). Cumulative probabilities of survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis at 3, 5, 10 and 15 years were respectively: 96%, 94%, 93%, and 87%, for local control; 93%, 88%, 81%, and 73% for globe preservation; 98%, 93%, 84%, and 73% for overall survival, and 98%, 96%, 92%, and 87% for disease-specific survival. By multivariate analysis, we concluded variables as significant: for local control failure - the longest basal diameter and the juxtapapillary location; for globe preservation failure - the longest basal dimension, the mushroom shape, the location in ciliary body, and the dose to the foveola; for disease-specific survival - the longest basal dimension. Some radiobiological doses were significant in univariate models but not in multivariate ones for the items studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show as predictive factors of local control, enucleation, and disease-specific survival rates those related with the features of the tumor, specifically the longest basal dimension. There is no clear relation between radiobiological doses or treatment parameters in patients after brachytherapy.

Late Apical Recurrence of Choroidal Melanoma 10 Years after Successful Treatment with Brachytherapy

PURPOSE

To describe late apical relapse of a choroidal melanoma at the site of fine needle aspiration biopsy 10 years following successful treatment with 125I brachytherapy.

METHODS

Retrospective case report of a 78-year-old male presenting 10 years following successful 125I brachytherapy for a choroidal melanoma with a medium-sized nodular amelanotic tumor recurrence at the site of the prior tumor biopsy.

RESULTS

Fundus photography and B-scan ultrasound documented the findings at presentation at our institution. The patient was followed closely for 8 weeks while information was retrieved from the treating institution. During this short period, there was significant apical tumor growth. Additionally, there was a clear clinical change compared to the last documented photos from 5 years prior at the treating institution. Enucleation was recommended. Pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of recurrent choroidal melanoma at the apex of the treated lesion, at the site of prior biopsy. Systemic surveillance was negative for metastatic disease.

CONCLUSION

Current literature suggests the majority of choroidal melanoma recurrences occur within 5 years following treatment. However, this case of recurrence 10 years after brachytherapy emphasizes the importance of life-long ophthalmic care for these patients. Additionally, this case demonstrates the possibility of a rare recurrence at a prior biopsy site.

Pattern of Local Recurrence After I-125 Episcleral Brachytherapy for Uveal Melanoma in a Spanish Referral Ocular Oncology Unit

PURPOSE

To describe the time, frequency, and clinical characteristics of treatment failure after I-125 brachytherapy in patients with uveal melanoma treated and followed in a Spanish referral ocular oncology unit.

DESIGN

Prospective, consecutive, interventional case series.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma from 1995 to 2016 and treated with episcleral brachytherapy were included. Demographic data collection, ophthalmic evaluation, ultrasound scan, and systemic studies were performed at baseline, every 6 months thereafter for 5 years, and subsequently at annual intervals. Recurrence was defined as presence of tumor growth after treatment. Baseline analysis was performed by descriptive methods and survival by Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

From 732 patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma, 311 were treated with brachytherapy. In the follow-up (mean 79 months, standard deviation = 55), 16 local tumor recurrences (5.1%) were detected. All relapsing patients had choroidal tumors and 15 presented with visual symptoms. All patients were treated with I-125 brachytherapy, and 2 received associated transpupillary thermotherapy. All the eyes were enucleated after recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a mean time of recurrence of 3.7 years (standard deviation = 2.94 years, ranging from 1 to 12 years). Three patients had metastasis in the follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed worse survival for patients with recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Local treatment failure was a relatively infrequent event after I-125 brachytherapy in our series. Recurrences appear not only early but also late in the follow-up. They do not have a distinctive clinical pattern and are associated with poorer survival.

[Macular edema after prior brachytherapy in a diabetic retinopathy patient (clinical case)]

The authors describe a case of radiation retinopathy after brachytherapy for uveal melanoma successfully treated with nepafenac 0.1%, a non-steroidal anti-inflammotory agent.

Outcomes and control rates for I-125 plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma: a community-based institutional experience

Purpose. To evaluate our community-based institutional experience with plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanomas with a focus on local control rates, factors impacting disease progression, and dosimetric parameters impacting treatment toxicity. Methods and Materials. Our institution was retrospectively reviewed from 1996 to 2011; all patients who underwent plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma were included. Follow-up data were collected regarding local control, distant metastases, and side effects from treatment. Analysis was performed on factors impacting treatment outcomes and treatment toxicity. Results. A total of 107 patients underwent plaque brachytherapy, of which 88 had follow-up data available. Local control at 10 years was 94%. Freedom from progression (FFP) and overall survival at 10 years were 83% and 79%, respectively. On univariate analysis, there were no tumor or dosimetric treatment characteristics that were found to have a prognostic impact on FFP. Brachytherapy treatment was well tolerated, with clinically useful vision (>20/200) maintained in 64% of patients. Statistically significant dosimetric relationships were established with cataract, glaucoma, and retinopathy development (greatest P = 0.05). Conclusions. Treatment with plaque brachytherapy demonstrates excellent outcomes in a community-based setting. It is well tolerated and should remain a standard of care for COMS medium sized tumors.

Palladium-103 radiation therapy for small choroidal melanoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes after ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy for small choroidal melanomas.

DESIGN

Retrospective study, case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-two patients with choroidal melanomas ≥1.5 and ≤2.4 mm apical height and ≤10 mm width treated between 2002 and 2012, with a minimum follow-up of 8 months.

METHODS

All patients were treated with palladium-103 plaque brachytherapy. Mean radiation dose to the tumor apex was 82.4 Gy (range, 70.0-102 Gy).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Local control, radiation complications, visual acuity, and metastatic rate.

RESULTS

Plaque radiotherapy provided 100% local tumor control and eye retention at a mean 54 months of observation (95% confidence interval, 46-63 months). The most common long-term brachytherapy-related complications were radiation maculopathy (43.1%) and radiation optic neuropathy (20.8%) developing at a mean of 27 months (range, 9-72 months) after irradiation. In this series, 94.4% of patients maintained 20/200 or better vision. There has been no small choroidal melanoma-related metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Palladium-103 plaque radiation therapy offered excellent local control and visual acuity outcomes for patients with small choroidal melanoma.

Post-brachytherapy tumor endoresection for treatment of toxic maculopathy in choroidal melanoma

PURPOSE

Toxic tumor syndrome may occur when the irradiated choroidal melanoma releases cytokines, by exudation from irradiated ischemic tissue. We report our experience and outcomes in a series of post-brachytherapy tumor endoresection to mediate radiation complications.

METHODS

Patients who underwent endoresection of a choroidal melanoma treated with iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy were evaluated. Baseline patient and tumor parameters were tabulated.

RESULTS

Five patients underwent post-brachytherapy tumor endoresection with intraocular gas or silicone oil tamponade. Three of the five patients underwent concomitant phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement. Initial tumor height ranged from 2.03-8.91 mm (mean 5.81 mm). Time between brachytherapy and endoresection ranged from 13-62 months (mean 26.8 months), and total follow-up time from brachytherapy ranged from 2.5-9.75 years (mean 5.2 years). Vision post-brachytherapy and pre-endoresection ranged from 20/30 to 20/400. Final visual acuity ranged from 20/70 to no light perception. One patient developed neovascular glaucoma. Radiation maculopathy increased in all patients. One patient developed metastasis at last follow-up. No patient developed exudative retinal detachment, none had local treatment failure, and none required enucleation.

CONCLUSION

Although tumor endoresection post-brachytherapy is a technically feasible procedure, all patients in our series experienced progressive radiation maculopathy with gradual visual decline.

Intraoperative sonographically assisted radioactive iodine 125 plaque brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma: visual acuity outcome

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to present a retrospective series of cases from a single Canadian academic center assessing visual acuity outcomes after intraoperative sonographically assisted iodine 125 ((125)I) plaque brachytherapy treatment.

METHODS

The cases of 28 patients (16 male and 12 female; mean age ± SD diagnosis, 62.3 ± 15 years) with choroidal melanoma treated with (125)I plaque brachytherapy using intraoperative sonography between 1997 and 2002 were reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean longitudinal, transverse, and depth dimensions were 11.4, 10.6, and 4.7, respectively. The median follow-up was 48 months (range, 3-102 months) for our cohort of patients. The prescribed dose was 85 Gy to a height of 5 mm (for an apex height ≤5 mm) or to the tumor apex (for an apex height >5 mm). Five years after (125)I plaque brachytherapy, all tumors had regressed in their longitudinal, transverse, and depth dimensions. The prebrachytherapy tumor depth (P = .023) and sclera dose (P = .036) were found to significantly affect visual acuity after plaque brachytherapy at 24 months. One recurrence was recorded 6 years after plaque brachytherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports (125)I plaque brachytherapy as an efficacious treatment for patients with choroidal melanoma, and intraoperative sonography may help with optimizing tumor control. In addition, to our knowledge, this study is the first to report the sclera dose as a significant predictor of visual acuity.

Local treatment failure after globe-conserving therapy for choroidal melanoma

Local treatment failure after globe-conserving therapy for choroidal melanoma is a surgical complication with significant morbidity to the vision and eye. Few reports in the literature have addressed this complication exclusively. A review of the published literature with reference to local treatment failure in the management of choroidal melanoma was performed to make known the potential differences in failure rates between treatment modalities and methods. A search of the literature regarding local treatment failure was performed to identify relevant studies using combinations of the following keywords on PubMed: uveal melanoma, choroidal melanoma, local recurrence, local failure, endoresection, gamma knife, radiotherapy, helium, iodine, proton, palladium, ruthenium, trans-scleral resection, transpupillary thermotherapy. Further studies were found by searching the text and references of previously identified studies for articles reporting local treatment failure rates in choroidal melanoma. Among the 49 studies identified, the local treatment failure rate ranged from 0% to 55.6%, with follow-up ranging from 10 to 150 months. The two most widely used forms of radiation therapy, iodine-125 and ruthenium-106 brachytherapy, were both associated with a local recurrence rate of 9.6%. The weighted-average of treatment failure in all radiation therapies was 6.15% compared with 18.6% in surgical and 20.8% in laser therapies. Rates of local treatment failure for globe-conserving therapy of choroidal melanoma varied widely between modalities and between centres using similar modalities. Radiation therapy overall resulted in lower local treatment failures compared with surgical or transpupillary thermotherapy.

Scleral necrosis after plaque radiotherapy of uveal melanoma: a case-control study

PURPOSE

To identify risk factors and outcome of scleral necrosis after plaque radiotherapy of uveal melanoma.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 73 cases with scleral necrosis and 73 controls without necrosis after plaque radiotherapy. Controls were matched for anteroposterior tumor epicenter and follow-up duration.

INTERVENTION

Plaque radiotherapy with iodine-125, cobalt-60, iridium-192, or ruthenium-106.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Scleral necrosis.

RESULTS

Of 5057 patients treated with plaque radiotherapy for uveal melanoma, 73 (1%) developed radiotherapy-induced scleral necrosis. Scleral necrosis occurred in <1% of patients (3/1140) when plaque radiotherapy was used for tumors <3 mm in thickness, 1% of patients (33/3155) with 3- to 8-mm tumor thickness, and 5% of patients (37/762) with >8-mm-thick tumors. On the basis of tumor location, scleral necrosis was detected after plaque radiotherapy of iris melanoma in 0% of patients (0/91), ciliary body melanoma in 29% of patients (67/235), and choroid melanoma in <1% of patients (6/4731). The mean time interval between plaque radiotherapy and scleral necrosis was 32 months (median, 23 months; range, 4-126 months). The mean basal dimension of scleral necrosis was 4 mm (median, 3 mm; range, 1-15 mm), equivalent to 29% of mean tumor base (median, 24%; range, 6%-100%) and 22% of mean plaque size (median, 19%; range, 5%-75%). Multivariate analysis of factors that predicted clinically evident scleral necrosis included ciliary body (P = 0.0001) and pars plana to ora serrata (P < 0.0001) locations of anterior tumor margin, tumor thickness ≥ 6 mm (P = 0.0001), and radiation dose ≥ 400 Gy to the outer sclera (P = 0.0455). Scleral necrosis remained stable in 48% of patients (35/73), increased in size/severity in 48% of patients (35/73), or progressed to scleral perforation in 4% of patients (3/73) over a mean follow-up of 79 months (median, 54 months; range, 5-351 months). Treatment of scleral necrosis included observation in 81% of patients (59/73), scleral patch graft in 14% of patients (10/73), and enucleation in 5% of patients (4/73).

CONCLUSIONS

Scleral necrosis after plaque radiotherapy of uveal melanoma was detected in 1% of cases. Factors predictive of scleral necrosis included increasing tumor thickness, ciliary body and peripheral choroidal location, and higher radiation dose to sclera. Most patients (81%) did not require treatment, and 4% evolved to full-thickness perforation.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

The effects of intraocular silicone oil placement prior to iodine 125 brachytherapy for uveal melanoma: a clinical case series

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of silicone oil as an adjunct to iodine 125 ((125)I) brachytherapy in attenuating radiation dose and reducing radiation retinopathy.

METHODS

A 16-mm COMS plaque loaded with (125)I seeds was simulated in vitro on an eye model containing silicone oil as a vitreous substitute using BrachyDose. The radiation dose ratio of silicone oil vs water to ocular structures was calculated at angles subtended from the centre of the eye. Silicone oil was then used in three choroidal melanoma patients who underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy, silicone oil placement, and (125)I brachytherapy.

RESULTS

Silicone oil reduced the ocular radiation dose in vitro to 65%. Radiation dose ratios on the retina increased from 0.45 to 0.99 when moving from points diametrically opposed to the plaque's central axis. In 10-24 months' follow-up, no patients have developed radiation retinopathy. Each patient required silicone oil removal and experienced cataract progression, and one also developed a retinal detachment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that silicone oil attenuates radiation dose in vitro, and may protect against radiation retinopathy clinically in patients, however it requires extensive surgical interventions. Further studies in only very selected populations using silicone oil as an adjunct to (125)I brachytherapy will best elucidate its role in shielding radiation retinopathy.

Radiation Macular Edema after Ru-106 Plaque Brachytherapy for Choroidal Melanoma Resolved by an Intravitreal Dexamethasone 0.7-mg Implant

Purpose

To report the effective treatment of radiation macular edema following ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for a choroidal melanoma with a dexamethasone 0.7-mg (Ozurdex^®) intravitreal implant.

Methods

An interventional case report with optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans.

Results

A 65-year-old Caucasian woman was suffering from radiation macular edema following ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for a choroidal melanoma on her left eye. She had undergone one intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg bevacizumab (Avastin^®, Genentech/Roche) in the following months without functional or anatomical improvement. Seven months after the development of radiation macular edema, she received a single intravitreal injection of dexamethasone 0.7 mg (Ozurdex). Four weeks following the injection, her best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.3 to 0.5. Radiation macular edema resolved with a reduction of central retinal thickness from 498 μm before Ozurdex injection to 224 μm after Ozurdex injection, as measured by OCT scan.

Conclusion

Dexamethasone 0.7 mg (Ozurdex) has proven to be an effective treatment option in retinal vein occlusion and noninfectious uveitis. It can also be considered as off-label treatment in radiation macular edema following ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for a choroidal melanoma.

Uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy and the leading primary intraocular disease which can be fatal in adults. In this paper epidemiologic, pathogenetic, and clinical aspects of uveal melanoma are discussed. Despite the advance in local ocular treatments, there has been no change in patient survival for three decades. Development of metastases affects prognosis significantly. Current survival rates, factors predictive of metastatic potential and metastatic screening algorithms are discussed. Proposed and emerging treatments for uveal melanoma metastases are also overviewed. Current advances in genetics and cytogenetics have provided a significant insight in tumours with high metastatic potential and the molecular mechanisms that underlie their development. Biopsy of those lesions may prove to be important for prognostication and to allow further research into genetic mutations and potential new therapeutic targets in the future.

Local control and visual acuity following treatment of medium-sized ocular melanoma using a contact eye plaque: a single surgeon experience

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of choroidal melanoma in (CM) patients treated with (125)I episcleral plaque brachytherapy and to compare our single surgeon results with the multi-institutional Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A review was performed of all CM patients treated with (125)I episcleral plaque brachytherapy by ophthalmologist in accordance with established COMS guidelines.

RESULTS

The records of 35 patients were reviewed. The median longest basal tumor diameter and apical tumor height was 13.5 and 7.8mm, respectively. Median dose to the apex was 8609 cGy at a median dose rate of 92 cGy/h. At a median followup of 45 months, 35 patients had local control and 33 had successful organ preservation. At 5 years, the local control rate was 100%, and the eye preservation rate was 94%. Five patients developed hepatic metastasis at a median of 58 months, and 2 succumbed from disease. The 5-year survival rate was 84%, and the 5-year rate of death with histopathologically confirmed metastasis was 15%. Of the 22 patients with at least 3 years of followup, 68% had a visual acuity in the treated eye of 20/200 or worse.

CONCLUSION

Excellent local control, eye preservation rates, and survival outcomes following (125)I episcleral plaque application for CM can be optimized by having an experienced ophthalmologist place the plaques. Additionally, hepatic metastasis can occur more than 5 years postimplant regardless of local control; therefore, longer systemic staging should be considered.

A noninvasive eye fixation monitoring system for CyberKnife radiotherapy of choroidal and orbital tumors

A new noninvasive monitoring system for fixing the eye has been developed to treat orbital and choroidal tumors with CyberKnife-based radiotherapy. This device monitors the eye during CT/MRI scanning and during treatment. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of the fixation light system for CyberKnife-based treatments of orbital and choroidal tumors and supports the idea that larger choroidal melanomas and choroidal metastases could be treated with CyberKnife without implanting fiducial markers.

I-125 brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma photographic and angiographic abnormalities: the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study: COMS Report No. 30

OBJECTIVES

(1) To summarize the protocol used for grading features of postradiation abnormalities from fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms of patients enrolled in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS); (2) to document the prevalence of features of interest in the posterior pole of these eyes during 8 years of follow-up; and (3) to investigate baseline patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics associated with posterior pole features.

DESIGN

Observational case series within a randomized, multicenter clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

We evaluated 650 patients who were assigned to and received iodine-125 brachytherapy in the COMS for medium-sized tumors.

METHODS

Color fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms were taken at baseline and 2, 5, and 8 years; 30 features were graded according to a standard protocol.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence at selected time intervals of fundus photographic features associated with retinopathy and optic neuropathy.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with >/=1 feature of interest was 49.2% at baseline, 84.4% at 2 years, 91.2% at 5 years, and 90.7% at 8 years. The most frequent findings across all follow-up examinations were macular microaneurysms (75.6% of examinations), macular angiographic leakage (75.1%), and optic disc hyperfluorescence (62.8%). The median number of features present increased significantly with each follow-up to a maximum of 7 features at 8 years. The prevalence of neovascularization of the disc at 5 years was 5.2%. The prevalence of optic neuropathy at 5 years was 27.4%. Prognostic factors for more prevalent and severe posterior pole abnormalities were diabetes, tumor location close to both optic nerve and foveal avascular zone, and greater dose of radiation to the foveola and optic nerve head.

CONCLUSIONS

The amount and severity of retinopathy and optic neuropathy after iodine-125 brachytherapy increased through 8 years of follow-up. Assessment of photographs and angiograms taken in accord with a standard protocol provided reliable estimates of rates of development of features of retinopathy and optic neuropathy in eyes treated using the COMS brachytherapy protocol. Our findings support earlier reports that tumor factors in addition to radiation treatment may contribute to posterior pole abnormalities.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Assessment of central vision and macular structure in patients undergoing iodine-125 brachytherapy for ciliochoroidal melanoma

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively report standardized visual function and macular structural assessment in patients undergoing iodine-125 brachytherapy for choroidal and ciliary body melanoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were enrolled for pretreatment and annual posttreatment assessment. Evaluations included ophthalmic history; standardized refraction; visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color vision measurement; comprehensive ophthalmic examination; fundus photography; fluorescein angiography; optical coherence tomography; and ultrasonography. Radiation doses to the foveola and optic disc margin were calculated.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were enrolled. Melanoma location included 3 in the ciliary body, 7 anterior, 11 equatorial, 13 posterior, and 8 macular tumors. Mean apical tumor height was 4.45 mm (range 1.79-9.83 mm) and mean longitudinal tumor diameter was 9.41 mm (range 4.52-4.73 mm). Pretreatment mean best-corrected Ferris-Bailey early treatment diabetic retinopathy study visual acuity was 50 (standard deviation +/- 15) letters (Snellen equivalent 20/32, range 20/15 to hand motions). The mean Pelli-Robson contrast threshold percentage was 4.1% (+/- 2.5%). The mean Hardy-Rand-Rittler color vision score was 13/14 (+/- 2.7). Mean distances from the posterior edge of the tumor to the foveola and the optic disc margin were 6.99 mm (+/- 6.22 mm) and 7.28 mm (+/- 5.98 mm), respectively. At the foveola, median total radiation dose was 36.2 Gy (+/-50.6 Gy) and median dose rate was 31.6 cGy/h (+/- 39.8 cGy/h). At the optic nerve, median total radiation dose was 42.8 Gy (+/- 30.8 Gy) and median dose rate was 36.2 cGy/h (+/- 21.4 cGy/h).

CONCLUSION

This prospective assessment of macular structure and function will provide more complete understanding of the ocular effects of radiation therapy for ocular melanoma.

Braquiterapia com rutênio-106 em melanomas uveais - resultados preliminares: experiência uni-institucional

OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados preliminares da braquiterapia com rutênio-106 em pacientes portadores de melanomas uveais. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: No período de abril de 2002 a julho de 2003, 20 pacientes com diagnóstico de melanoma uveal foram tratados com braquiterapia com rutênio-106. A dose calculada no ápice tumoral variou de 55 Gy a 100 Gy. Pacientes com lesões com altura maior que 5 mm foram submetidos a termoterapia transpupilar concomitante à colocação da placa oftálmica. RESULTADOS: Quanto à localização da lesão, esta se encontrava na coróide em 75% dos casos, na íris em 15% e no corpo ciliar em 10% dos pacientes. Com seguimento mediano de 19 meses, a sobrevida livre de progressão para a braquiterapia e para a associação com a termoterapia transpupilar foi de 69% e 87%, respectivamente. Observou-se redução significante da altura tumoral após o tratamento. Nenhum dos pacientes foi submetido a enucleação. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados preliminares mostram que a braquiterapia com rutênio-106 é uma opção adequada para o tratamento conservador de melanomas uveais em termos de controle local, manutenção do globo ocular e visão útil, com índice aceitável de complicações.

Incidence of cataract and outcomes after cataract surgery in the first 5 years after iodine 125 brachytherapy in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study: COMS Report No. 27

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of the radiation dose to the lens on cataract formation and effect of cataract surgery on visual acuity (VA) among patients with choroidal melanoma treated with iodine 125 (I125) brachytherapy.

DESIGN

Prospective study of patients enrolled in one arm of a randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients enrolled in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) who received I125 brachytherapy as randomly assigned and also were phakic, with no history of cataract in the study eye at the time of enrollment (n = 532).

METHODS

Each follow-up examination included an interim ocular history and full ophthalmic examination. Lens status (phakic, pseudophakic, or aphakic) and best-corrected VA were recorded. For the purpose of this analysis, the date of the first examination at which an eye was reported to be aphakic or pseudophakic, to have vision-limiting lenticular opacities, or to have had cataract surgery was defined as the observed time of cataract development. Date of cataract surgery was defined as the date of the first follow-up examination at which cataract surgery was reported.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of cataract and outcomes after cataract surgery.

RESULTS

During the first 5 years of follow-up, cataracts developed in 362 (68%) of the 532 study eyes, including 49 (9%) that had had cataract surgery. By 5 years, 83% of study eyes were reported to have a cataract (95% confidence interval [CI], 79%-87%), and 12% had undergone cataract surgery (CI, 9%-15%) in the study eye. Eighteen percent of eyes that received a dose of 24 Gy or higher to the lens underwent cataract surgery, whereas only 4% of patients with <12 Gy to the lens underwent cataract surgery. Median VAs were 20/125 before cataract surgery and 20/50 after cataract surgery. After cataract surgery, VA improved by 2 lines or more in 32 (66%) patients and remained stable in 13 (26%) patients. The most common cause of lack of visual improvement after cataract surgery was presence of radiation retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

Although cataract surgery was infrequent among COMS patients, VA remained stable or improved in the majority of these eyes after cataract surgery.

Novel low-kVp beamlet system for choroidal melanoma

Background

Treatment of choroidal melanoma with radiation often involves placement of customized brachytherapy eye-plaques. However, the dosimetric properties inherent in source-based radiotherapy preclude facile dose optimization to critical ocular structures. Consequently, we have constructed a novel system for utilizing small beam low-energy radiation delivery, the Beamlet Low-kVp X-ray, or "BLOKX" system. This technique relies on an isocentric rotational approach to deliver dose to target volumes within the eye, while potentially sparing normal structures.

Methods

Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) transport code version 5.0(14) was used to simulate photon interaction with normal and tumor tissues within modeled right eye phantoms. Five modeled dome-shaped tumors with a diameter and apical height of 8 mm and 6 mm, respectively, were simulated distinct positions with respect to the macula iteratively. A single fixed 9 × 9 mm² beamlet, and a comparison COMS protocol plaque containing eight I-125 seeds (apparent activity of 8 mCi) placed on the scleral surface of the eye adjacent to the tumor, were utilized to determine dosimetric parameters at tumor and adjacent tissues. After MCNP simulation, comparison of dose distribution at each of the 5 tumor positions for each modality (BLOKX vs. eye-plaque) was performed.

Results

Tumor-base doses ranged from 87.1–102.8 Gy for the BLOKX procedure, and from 335.3–338.6 Gy for the eye-plaque procedure. A reduction of dose of at least 69% to tumor base was noted when using the BLOKX. The BLOKX technique showed a significant reduction of dose, 89.8%, to the macula compared to the episcleral plaque. A minimum 71.0 % decrease in dose to the optic nerve occurred when the BLOKX was used.

Conclusion

The BLOKX technique allows more favorable dose distribution in comparison to standard COMS brachytherapy, as simulated using a Monte Carlo iterative mathematical modeling. Future series to determine clinical utility of such an approach are warranted.

Visual acuity after Ruthenium106 brachytherapy of choroidal melanomas

PURPOSE

To report on conservation of visual acuity after Ruthenium(106) (Ru-106) brachytherapy of choroidal melanoma.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This study was a noncomparative interventional case series of 458 patients with choroidal melanoma treated at a single center between January 1993 and December 2001. The intervention consisted of Ru-106 brachytherapy delivering minimum scleral and apex doses of 300 Gy and 80 Gy, respectively, using a 15-mm or 20-mm plaque. For discrete, posterior tumors, the plaque was positioned eccentrically with its posterior edge aligned with the posterior tumor margin. To ensure correct plaque positioning, any overlying extraocular muscles were dis-inserted, and the locations of both tumor and plaque edges were confirmed by transillumination and indentation. The main outcome measures were conservation of vision of 20/40 or better, 20/200 or better, and Counting Fingers or better, according to baseline variables.

RESULTS

The actuarial rate of conservation of 20/40 or better was 55% at 9 years, loss of such vision correlating with posterior tumor extension (p < 0.001), temporal tumor location (p = 0.001), increased tumor height (p = 0.01), and older age (p < 0.01) (Cox multivariate analysis). Similar analyses showed conservation of 20/200 or better in 57% of eyes at 9 years, loss correlating with reduced initial visual acuity (p < 0.001), posterior tumor extension (p < 0.001), and temporal tumor location (p = 0.006). Counting Fingers or better vision was conserved in 83% of patients at 9 years, loss correlating with increased tumor height (p < 0.0001). Local tumor recurrence occurred in 9 patients (actuarial rate, 3% at 9 years).

CONCLUSION

Ruthenium(106) brachytherapy of posterior choroidal melanoma achieves good conservation of vision if the tumor does not extend close to the optic nerve or fovea.

Radiation complications and tumor control after 125I plaque brachytherapy for ocular melanoma

PURPOSE

To determine the outcome of 125I plaque brachytherapy at our institution and identify the risk factors associated with the development of radiation complications, tumor recurrence, and metastasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1986 to 2000, 156 patients underwent 125I episcleral plaque (COMS design) application for the treatment of ocular melanoma. Chart analysis of follow-up ophthalmologic appointments assessed the incidence of ocular side effects after therapy. Statistical analysis assessed outcomes and significant influencing factors.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 6.2 years, the 5-year overall survival was 83%. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 91%. Initial local control at 5 years was 92%, with 100% ultimate local control after secondary therapy that included 9 enucleations. The risk of metastasis was 10% at 5 years and 27% at 10 years. Vision stayed the same or improved in 25% of patients, and 44% of patients maintained visual acuity better than 20/200. Thirteen percent of patients experienced chronic pain or discomfort in the treated eye. Dose rates to the tumor apex greater than 90 to 100 cGy/h were associated with increased systemic control but worse radiation toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Patients in our series experienced excellent local tumor control. Higher dose rates to the tumor apex were associated with reduced rates of distant metastases but worse ocular function.

125I plaque brachytherapy for anterior uveal melanomas

PURPOSE

To describe the results of 125I plaque brachytherapy of uveal melanomas anterior to the equator in terms of local control and the associated complications while trying to identify their risk factors (patients' demographic data, ocular, and tumour characteristics).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a series of patients treated by 125I between 1990 and 2000 in a single institution. The main outcome measures are evaluation of local tumour control and complications associated with 125I plaque brachytherapy of these melanomas.

RESULTS

During the study period, 136 patients were treated for an anterior tumour. The median follow-up was 62 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 88.3%, the 5-year metastasis rate was 4% and the local recurrence rate was 1.5%. The mean final visual acuity was 20/40. The ocular complications most frequently observed at 5 years were cataract (50.3%), maculopathy (18.3%), intraocular inflammation (19.3%), and glaucoma (10.6%). Optic neuropathy, retinal detachment, keratitis, and intravitreous haemorrhage were also described. Risk factors for worse survival were age greater than 65 years and initial tumour thickness greater than 4 mm. Risk factors for the development of cataract were age more than 65 years old, male gender, and tumour diameter of more than 10 mm. Risk factors for intraocular inflammation were tumour thickness of more than 4 mm and invasion of the ciliary body.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 125I plaque brachytherapy to treat melanomas situated anterior to the equator allows good local and systemic control with a low rate of macular and optic disc complications. The most frequent complication was cataract formation.