THE USE OF SINGLE FRACTION LEKSELL STEREOTAXIC RADIOSURGERY IN THE TREATMENT OF UVEAL MELANOMA

Fourteen patients with posterior uveal melanomas were treated using si ngle fraction stereotactic radiosurgery. In each case a dose of 70 Gy was administered to the periphery of the tumour. Regression of the tum our has been observed in 13 patients, whilst the lesion has remained u nchanged in one patient. The visual acuity has deteriorated in all 14 patients. Significant radiation induced adverse reactions were noted i n 13 patients and include; retinopathy, optic neuropathy, rubeosis iri dis, and secondary glaucoma. Two patients have required enucleation be cause of intractable rubeotic glaucoma. One patient has died from prov en metastases. Although stereotactic radiosurgery appears to be a prac tical and effective method of treating uveal melanomas, its usefulness is limited by a high incidence of radiation induced adverse reactions . Further work is required to refine the current treatment protocol an d establish an optimal prescription dose.