[Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for uveal melanomas. Long term results of a single TTT with an adapter for a conventional infrared laser].
BACKGROUND
An increasing number of orbital recurrences after TTT have been reported; the aim of our paper was to present our long-term results after a maximum follow-up of 8 years and 2 months.


METHODS
Among 18 eyes, 10 tumors were classified as small, and 8 as medium sized (with a maximum prominence of 5.6 mm): 5 melanomas had a juxtapapillary location, 6 a macular (or juxtamacular) location, and 7 were located in the midperiphery of the fundus.


RESULTS
After a median follow-up of 7 years in seven tumors a complete regression (scar formation) could be achieved, and in six a partial regression (with a maximum residual prominence of 2.9 mm) could be seen. In three patients a recurrence was treated either by another TTT or a Ruthenium-106 plaque; in another two recurrences, enucleation had to be performed. In none of the cases has an orbital recurrence occurred so far.


CONCLUSIONS
To prevent recurrences, adequate technique and appropriate selection of patients are mandatory in our opinion (no tumors higher than 3 mm). The higher the tumor prominence, the greater the chance of recurrences. Amelanotic melanomas and macular melanomas seem to respond poorly to thermotherapy.
Langmann
G
G
Augenklinik, Medizinische Universität Graz. gerald.langmann@meduni-graz.at
Lechner
H
H
Wenzel
E
E
Mossböck
G
G
Wackernagel
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D007259:Infrared Rays / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011680:Pupil; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*