Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for uveal melanomas

Background. An increasing number of orbital recurrences after TTT have been reported; the aim of our paper was to present our long-term results after a maximum follow-up of 8 years and 2 months. Patients and method. Among 18 eyes, 10 tumors were classified as small, and 8 as medium sized (with a maximum prominence of 5.6 mm): 5 melanomas had a juxtapapillary location, 6 a macular (or juxtamacular) location, and 7 were located in the midperiphery of the fundus. Results. After a median follow-up of 7 years in seven tumors a complete regression (scar formation) could be achieved, and in six a partial regression (with a maximum residual prominence of 2.9 mm) could be seen. In three patients a recurrence was treated either by another TTT or a Ruthenium-106 plaque; in another two recurrences, enucleation had to be performed. In none of the cases has an orbital recurrence occurred so far. Conclusion. To prevent recurrences, adequate technique and appropriate selection of patients are mandatory in our opinion (no tumors higher than 3 mm). The higher the tumor prominence, the greater the chance of recurrences. Amelanotic melanomas and macular melanomas seem to respond poorly to thermotherapy.