Brachytherapy in the prevention of recurrence of conjunctival melanoma : Results of a case report in aUniversity Hospital in Valladolid, Spain.

Abstract

Describe the results of brachytherapy in the prevention of recurrences in conjunctival melanoma (CM) and describe adosimetric protocol. Retrospective and descriptive case report. Eleven consecutive patients with aconfirmed histopathological diagnosis of CM treated with brachytherapy between 1992 and 2023 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and dosimetric characteristics as well as recurrences were recorded. Quantitative variables were represented by the mean, median, and standard deviation, and qualitative variables by frequency of distribution. Of atotal of 27patients diagnosed with CM, 11who were treated with brachytherapy were included in the study (7female; mean age at time of treatment: 59.4years). Mean follow-up was 58.82months (range 11-141months). Of atotal of 11patients, 8were treated with ruthenium-106 and 3with iodine-125. Brachytherapy was performed in 6patients as adjuvant therapy after biopsy-proven CM on histopathology and in the other 5patients after recurrence. The mean dose was 85 Gy in all cases. Recurrences outside of the previously irradiated area were observed in 3patients, metastases were diagnosed in 2patients, and one case of an ocular adverse event was reported. Brachytherapy is an adjuvant treatment option in invasive conjunctival melanoma. In our case report, only one patient had an adverse effect. However, this topic requires further research. Furthermore, each case is unique and should be evaluated by experts in amultidisciplinary approach involving ophthalmologists, radiation oncologists, and physicists.