Brachytherapy of a choroidal melanoma using radioactive gold grains: a long-term follow-up study.

PURPOSE: We used radioactive gold grains to treat a patient with choroidal malignant melanoma. Radioactive sources were placed into surgically constructed scleral pockets. The patient was followed up for six years after therapy to assess changes in the tumor, recurrence, and side effects. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A male patient presented with malignant melanoma arising from the choroidal membrane of the posterior pole of the left eyeball. We placed radioactive gold grains into surgically constructed scleral pockets adjacent to the tumor, arranged in a plane based on the Manchester's method. The patient was followed up for six years after treatment. RESULTS: The radiation dose was 120 Gy at the apex of the tumor, which slowly became smaller and completely disappeared at one year and 10 months after treatment. Tumor recurrence was not observed. Radiation dose at the ipsilateral lens was 280 cGy. Side effects associated with therapy were a decrease in visual acuity secondary to retinal degeneration and atrophy, but his vision was correctable with suitable glasses. In addition, the visual field of the left eye was also restricted. Mild cataracts also developed in the ipsilateral eye after treatment. CONCLUSION: Although this therapeutic method is technically difficult compared with other methods, it permits the tumor to be treated without loss of the eye. This may significantly improve the patient's quality of life.