[Trans-pupillary hyperthermia of malignant choroid melanoma. Initial experiences].
The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) to treat choroidal melanoma.


METHODS
Twelve patients with choroidal melanoma were treated. Four with small tumors close to the posterior pole received TTT alone; 8 were treated simultaneously with TTT and Ru-106 brachytherapy. To perform TTT a diode laser with a beam diameter of 3 mm was used. Exposure time ranged from 60 to 90 s until the retinal surface became light gray. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1-month intervals. If the tumor was partially regressed, additional TTT was performed to reach the endpoint of a chorioretinal scar.


RESULTS
All tumors exhibited a reduction of tumor height in a maximal follow-up period of 6 months. Four cases showed complete regression within 3 months. Side effects were minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with TTT may be useful as a complementary modality to brachytherapy. A longer follow-up time is necessary for final evaluation.
Schneider
H
H
Universitäts-Augenklinik Rostock.
Fischer
K
K
Fietkau
R F
RF
Guthoff
R F
RF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001918:Brachytherapy; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011680:Pupil
Transpupilläre Thermotherapie des malignen Aderhautmelanoms. Erste Erfahrungen.