[Recurrence rate following adjuvant strontium-90 brachytherapy after excision of conjunctival melanoma].
BACKGROUND
Because of the high local recurrence rates after excision of conjunctival melanomas, adjuvant local chemotherapy or irradiation is recommended. Strontium-90 brachytherapy is one radiotherapeutic option due to its low penetration depth.


METHODS
15 patients with conjunctival melanoma were treated with adjuvant strontium-90 brachytherapy after tumour excision. The treatment was fractionated into 9 irradiation sessions with 6 Gy each. The mean follow-up was 35 months (12-60 months).


RESULTS
Seven patients (46%) had no recurrence during the follow-up. Three patients (20%) had a recurrence in the treated or adjacent area. Eight patients (53%) developed new tumours in non-treated areas.


CONCLUSIONS
Strontium-90 brachytherapy is a useful adjuvant in the treatment of conjunctival melanomas. Regular ophthalmoscopic controls are necessary because of the high rate of new tumours in non-irradiated areas, especially in cases with primary acquired melanosis.
Krause
L
L
Augenklinik, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. lothar.krause@charite.de
Ritter
C
C
Wachtlin
J
J
Kreusel
K-M
KM
Höcht
S
S
Foerster
M H
MH
Bechrakis
N E
NE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes