Choroidal melanoma brachytherapy with iodine 125. Interest of the technique and first results.

Purpose Among conservative treatment of the choroidal melanoma, improved functional capacities can be provided with Iodine 125 and with a treatment planning system for optimized dosimetry. Method Forty patients were treated with Iodine 125 with a minimal follow-up period of 6 months and a mean follow up of 25 months. Results Response to the treatment based on tumor regression or stabilization was 97%. Complication rate was 32%. Retinopathy was the major cause of loss of vision and was linked to the proximity of the tumor to the macula. Two patients developed metastasis and one required enucleation for tumor regrowth. Conclusion Brachytherapy with Iodine 125 was found to be effective on tumor growth within the limits of the follow-up. High doses (100 Gy) given to the apex of the tumor did not increase complications rate. Many years will be necessary to assess efficiency of such a procedure in terms of preventing complications.