Long term outcome of adjuvant photodynamic therapy after cyberknife radiotherapy for choroidal melanoma.

PURPOSE

To report the outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for choroidal melanoma as adjuvant treatment with CyberKnife radiotherapy.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

Standard-fluence PDT using verteporfin.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Regression of tumor; resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF); change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and complications of PDT.

RESULTS

The study included 16 choroidal melanomas (3 pigmented, 4 lightly pigmented, 9 amelanotic) treated with adjuvant PDT after CyberKnife radiotherapy. The mean follow up time was 45.5 months after the initial PDT. 13 patients improved completely with PDT sessions and growth was seen in 3 patients. There was seen completely resolution in SRF in 10 eyes, partial resolution in 3 eyes, and stable in 3 eyes. The mean thickness of tumors was 3.9 mm before PDT and 2.3 mm after PDT. Retina pigment epithelium atrophy in 3 patients and subretinal hemorrhage in 1 patient were seen as complication of PDT. Three patients underwent enucleation for recurrence in the tumor. There was not a higher rate of change in BCVA after PDT (37.5% stable; 25% increase; 37.5% decrease. Poor final visual acuity associated with worse initial visual acuity, proximity of the tumor to the foveola and optic disc, and radiation complications.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT seems to offer a good option for posterior pole choroidal melanoma as adjuvant therapy in suitable cases. Future prospective studies with larger number of patients and with longer follow-up are needed to further investigation.