title: [What is the value of transpupillary thermotherapy in treatment of flat posterior choroid melanomas? A systematic review of the literature?].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Klinikum Innenstadt. Martin.Grueterich@ak-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grüterich
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ulbig
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kampik
mesh_terms: 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