Purpose: To report the results of ruthenium-106 plaque radiotherapy for iris malignant melanoma.
Methods: A retrospective study of 15 patients with pure iris melanoma treated with ruthenium-106 plaque radiotherapy from June 1998 to June 2006. The main outcome measures were tumour control and ocular complications.
Results: Of the 15 patients, 8 had biopsy-proven melanoma (6 incisional and 2 excisional biopsies). In the remaining seven patients enlargement of the lesion was documented. The median follow-up was 96 months (ranging from 14 months to 12 years). Common radiation-related complications included cataract in 9 (60%) patients, dry eyes in 3 (20%) patients and elevated intraocular pressure in 4 (27%) patients. Vision was preserved in 80% of patients. Local tumour control was obtained in all patients.
Conclusions: Ruthenium-106 plaque radiotherapy is an effective treatment for primary malignant iris melanoma, resulting in excellent local control with preservation of vision. Main complications included cataract, dry eyes, and glaucoma.