Verteporfin photodynamic therapy for the treatment of sporadic retinal capillary haemangioblastoma.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectivity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of retinal capillary haemangiomas


METHODS
Retrospective case note analysis of all patients with retinal angiomas treated with PDT between 2003 and 2010.


RESULTS
Six eyes of 6 patients (3 male, 3 female) with a mean age of 50 years (range, 23-78) were identified in our database. The follow up period was between 24 and 60 months (mean, 36). Tumor regression was evident in two patients; three tumors showed no demonstrable response to treatment on ophthalmoscopy or ultrasonography and one tumor progressed despite PDT and subsequent cryotherapy. One patient developed retinal neovascularisations following a period of inattendence to our clinic. Visual acuity improved in two patients following PDT, deteriorated in three patients and remained stable in a one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The response of retinal haemangioblastomas to PDT is inconsistent. Other treatment modalities ought to be utilized for peripheral lesions, however PDT may be tried in juxtapapillary lesions where radiotherapy or cryotherapy is likely to result in concurrent visual loss.
Liverpool Ocular Oncology Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK. Electronic address: rumanahussain@hotmail.com.
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RN
Hussain
Liverpool Ocular Oncology Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK.
F
F
Jmor
Ocular Oncology Service, Departments of Ophthalmology and Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
B
B
Damato
Liverpool Ocular Oncology Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK.
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H
Heimann
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D018325:Hemangioblastoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019572:Retinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077362:Verteporfin
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin
PDT; Retinal capillary haemangioblastoma; Von Hippel–Landau