[Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for uveal melanoma].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin is able to induce tumor cell necrosis in human uveal melanomas.


METHODS
On four eyes with an uveal melanoma, PDT with verteporfin was performed on the tumor 2-3 days before planned enucleation. The eyes were evaluated histologically.


RESULTS
In two melanomas with only mild pigmentation some effects after PDT were detected on tumor tissue in a depth up to 2.5 mm at light doses > or =100 J/cm(2). Histologically, vascular occlusion and thrombosis in tumor vessels were observed. In the heavily pigmented melanoma no tumor necrosis was induced with the above-mentioned parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Depending on treatment parameters and tumor pigmentation, PDT with verteporfin is able to induce tumor necrosis in human uveal melanomas. Based on these results it is possible that PDT can become an adjuvant treatment method for uveal melanoma.
Augenklinik, Campus Benjamin Franklin der Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin. joachim.wachtlin@charite.de
J
J
Wachtlin
N E
NE
Bechrakis
M H
MH
Foerster
D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002829:Choroid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006414:Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009336:Necrosis; D010865:Pilot Projects