Results of ruthenium irradiation of uveal melanoma.

The follow-up results are presented for the radiotherapeutic treatment of 49 patients with uveal eye melanoma using ruthenium-106 (106Ru/106Rh) applicators. Graded doses were applied and the degree of regression was found to be correlated with the dose at the top of the tumour. Complete regression is found in 66% of the patients treated with a top dose above 150 Gy, in which case the initial tumour prominence diminishes in about three years to a stable disease or to a flat scar. At this dose a marginal increase in complications was observed as compared with lower dose groups. Useful vision could be preserved in 75% of the eyes.