Proton beam radiotherapy in the management of uveal melanoma: Clinical experience in Scotland

AIM To evaluate proton-beam radiotherapy (PBRT) in the management of uveal melanoma in Scotland. METHODS A retrospective review was undertaken on all patients receiving PBRT for uveal melanoma (1994-2005). Data obtained included: gender, past ocular/medical history, age, presenting complaint(s), diagnosis, laterality, tumor location/ultrasound characteristics, visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure. At post-treatment reviews (3, 6, 12, and 24 months), the following data was obtained: VA, intraocular pressure, tumor appearance and ultrasound characteristics. Mean follow up was 38.8 months. RESULTS Seventy-six patients were included. Mean age was 64 years; male to female ratio was 1.1:1. Ninety-seven percent demonstrated initial treatment response; 87% had successful control of tumor growth. Mean pre-treatment tumor height was 6.2 mm v.s. 4.8 mm post-irradiation (p < 0.001). Pre-irradiation VA was <3/60 in 18.5% compared with 74% post-irradiation (p < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant association between adverse events (enucleation, metastasis) and greater maximal basal tumor diameter. Eighteen eyes were enucleated. The median survival time was estimated to be 54 months. CONCLUSION In our experience, PBRT is a precise, reliable and effective treatment in the management of large, and previously treated uveal melanomas. It prevents enucleation in the majority at short term follow-up.