Treatment of amelanotic choroidal melanoma with photodynamic therapy.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy on amelanotic choroidal melanoma.

METHODS:

Nine patients with posteriorly located amelanotic choroidal melanomas, one with a pigmented portion, underwent photodynamic therapy using verteporfin as the photosensitizing agent. The basal diameters ranged from 4 mm to 16 mm and the heights from 1.3 mm to 5.7 mm. Treatment was repeated until the melanoma was completely flat or its height had reached a stable end point. Tumor response was assessed by clinical examination, photography, and ultrasonography. Annual screening for hepatic metastases was performed.

RESULTS:

Eight tumors demonstrated apparent complete regression over 1 month to 14 months. The amelanotic portion of the mixed tumor flattened, whereas the height of the pigmented part remained stable at 2 mm. In 8 patients there has been no recurrence during follow-up of between 34 months and 81 months. One case developed 2 separate local recurrences at 21 months and 34 months. There were no serious complications, no patient lost vision after treatment, and none developed metastatic disease.

CONCLUSION:

In this series photodynamic therapy was highly effective in causing regression of posteriorly located amelanotic choroidal melanomas, without a detrimental effect on vision. While the short-term results are encouraging, there is some uncertainty regarding complete tumor destruction and long-term efficacy.

• Authors: William G Campbell, Tanya M Pejnovic
• Journal: Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.) (Retina) Vol. 32 Issue 7 Pg. 1356-62 (Jul 2012) ISSN: 1539-2864 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22146128 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• Porphyrins
• Verteporfin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Choroid Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Melanoma, Amelanotic (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, pathology)
• Middle Aged
• Photochemotherapy
• Photosensitizing Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Porphyrins (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography
• Verteporfin