[What is the value of transpupillary thermotherapy in treatment of flat posterior choroid melanomas? A systematic review of the literature?].
BACKGROUND
Transpupillary thermotherapy is a relatively new method for the treatment of choroidal melanomas. We present a systematic survey of the current literature.


METHODS
A temperature rise in the tumor ranging from 45-60 degrees C is achieved by an infrared laser beam delivered through the dilated pupil. With a modified delivery system beam widths between 1 and 3 mm and exposure times of one minute are generated. Thus, tumors of up to 4 mm thickness are treatable. TTT can be used as a single treatment procedure or in combination with brachytherapy.


RESULTS
Several studies presented in the literature show a satisfactory local tumor control. However, there is a significant risk of vision threatening side effects like retinal vascular occlusion or retinal traction in selected cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The TTT is a minimal invasive procedure for the treatment of flat choroidal melanomas of the posterior pole which is capable of achieving a good local tumor control. Studies with more patients and longer follow-up will demonstrate if TTT is also beneficial in the longterm management of choroidal melanomas.
Grüterich
M
M
Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Klinikum Innenstadt. Martin.Grueterich@ak-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
Mueller
A J
AJ
Ulbig
M
M
Kampik
A
A
D002829:Choroid / Q000473:pathology; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation; D007834:Lasers; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009336:Necrosis; D011680:Pupil; D016896:Treatment Outcome