[Regression of an uveal metastatic tumor from breast cancer during chemotherapy--a case report].
BACKGROUND
Choroidal metastases generally respond well to radiation treatment. However, a deterioration of visual acuity after radiation must be taken into account in lesions involving the optic nerve. In these cases, alternatives to radiation, which is a palliative treatment in most cases anyway, should be considered.


METHODS
We present the clinical and echographic findings of a case of a 39-year-old patient with choroidal metastasis from breast carcinoma.


RESULTS
We observed a regression of the metastasis and an improvement of visual acuity from 0.2 to 1.0 under systemic chemotherapy. Echography showed a decrease of tumor height and increasing reflectivity indicating progressive scarring of the lesion. Up to now, the patient has survived 9 years after initial diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Especially in cases in which a deterioration of visual acuity after radiation must be expected, the follow-up during systemic chemotherapy alone might be considered an alternative option, as it not only might preserve vision, but also allows an "in vivo" monitoring of the success of the chemotherapy applied.
Haritoglou
C
C
Augenklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich. Christos.Haritoglou@ak-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
Mueller
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077268:Pamidronate; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D043823:Taxoids; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004164:Diphosphonates; D043823:Taxoids; D013629:Tamoxifen; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004317:Doxorubicin; D000077268:Pamidronate; D017239:Paclitaxel