Treatment of choroidal melanoma using photodynamic therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To InternetAdvance publication at ajo.com Feb 26, 2002. investigate the effect of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin on choroidal melanoma.


METHODS
Interventional case series.


METHODS
Four patients with choroidal melanoma who showed recurrence or no response after previous brachytherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy were treated with photodynamic therapy.


RESULTS
One tumor decreased in size and remained stable for 18 months. One tumor had no growth for 11 months. Two melanomas continued to grow, necessitating enucleation.


CONCLUSIONS
Of the four eyes that had failed conventional therapies, two would have been salvaged (to date) with photodynamic therapy. However, additional studies are needed to determine if photodynamic therapy can play a role in the management of choroidal melanoma.
Barbazetto
Irene A
IA
E.S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. ib206@columbia.edu
Lee
Thomas C
TC
Rollins
Indira S
IS
Chang
Stanley
S
Abramson
David H
DH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D000077362:Verteporfin
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin