Ruthenium-106 Plaque Brachytherapy Research Articles

Ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy for treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

To describe the clinical and imaging features of circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas (CCH) and their treatment outcomes with Ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy. Retrospective study of 24 patients (24 eyes) diagnosed with CCH and treated with 106Ru plaque between 2017 and 2022. Analysis included pre- and post-treatment clinical and imaging features such as tumor regression, reduction in height, subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution, and change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The mean age at presentation was 36 years (range, 16-57). The most common tumor location was the temporal quadrant (n = 19) with macular involvement (n = 13). Associated features were macular SRF (n = 22) and inferior exudative retinal detachment (n = 10). Nineteen of the 24 patients underwent primary treatment, whereas 5 patients underwent plaque as a salvage treatment. The mean tumor apex dose was 40 Gy. At a median follow-up of 7.5 months (range 3-65 months), 18 eyes showed complete regression, whereas 6 eyes showed partial regression. The mean height decreased from 4.8 (SD 1.28) mm at presentation to 2.5 (SD 1.63) mm. Median BCVA improved from logMAR 1.2 (IQR 0.4-2) at baseline to logMAR 1.05 (IQR 0.1-1.95) (p = 0.4). Complete resolution of the macula and tumor SRF was observed in 15 (68%) and 13 (57%) eyes, respectively. The radiation-related complications observed were radiation maculopathy (4 eyes), retinopathy (1 eye), and vitreous hemorrhage (1 eye). Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy is effective for CCH (> 3 mm height) as a primary and salvage treatment for tumors unresponsive to other modalities.

MR-based follow-up after brachytherapy and proton beam therapy in uveal melanoma

PurposeMRI is increasingly used in the diagnosis and therapy planning of uveal melanoma (UM). In this prospective cohort study, we assessed the radiological characteristics, in terms of anatomical and functional imaging, of UM after ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy or proton beam therapy (PBT) and compared them to conventional ultrasound.MethodsTwenty-six UM patients were evaluated before and 3, 6 and 12 months after brachytherapy (n = 13) or PBT (n = 13). Tumour prominences were compared between ultrasound and MRI. On diffusion-weighted imaging, the apparent diffusion value (ADC), and on perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), the time-intensity curves (TIC), relative peak intensity and outflow percentages were determined. Values were compared between treatments and with baseline.ResultsPre-treatment prominences were comparable between MRI and ultrasound (mean absolute difference 0.51 mm, p = 0.46), but larger differences were observed post-treatment (e.g. 3 months: 0.9 mm (p = 0.02)). Pre-treatment PWI metrics were comparable between treatment groups. After treatment, brachytherapy patients showed favourable changes on PWI (e.g. 67% outflow reduction at 3 months, p < 0.01). After PBT, significant perfusion changes were observed at a later timepoint (e.g. 38% outflow reduction at 6 months, p = 0.01). No consistent ADC changes were observed after either treatment, e.g. a 0.11 × 10−3mm2/s increase 12 months after treatment (p = 0.15).ConclusionMR-based follow-up is valuable for PBT-treated patients as favourable perfusion changes, including a reduction in outflow, can be detected before a reduction in size is apparent on ultrasound. For brachytherapy, a follow-up MRI is of less value as already 3 months post-treatment a significant size reduction can be measured on ultrasound.

Ruthenium106 plaque brachytherapy for uveal leiomyoma: a new approach to treatment?

Ruthenium106 plaque brachytherapy for uveal leiomyoma: a new approach to treatment?

Long-Term Outcomes in Uveal Melanoma After Ruthenium-106 Brachytherapy.

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results after ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma in terms of tumor control, visual acuity, radiation-related complications, tumor recurrence, metastases, and patients’ survival rate during 4 years’ follow-up. A total of 355 eyes from 355 patients have been treated with Ru-106 plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma between February 2011 and March 2020. Five patients were lost to follow-up, and then 350 eyes of 350 patients (mean age 58 ± 11 years) were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including echography and spectral domain–optical coherence tomography. The mean follow-up was 4 years (3 months to 9 years). After treatment, the mean tumor thickness was reduced to 1.75 ± 0.21 mm. Radiation complications were found in 63% of patients: 38% showed radiation maculopathy, 11% had optic neuropathy, and 14% developed cataracts. Cancer-free survival was 99%, 97%, and 85%, respectively, at 5, 7, and 9 years. Ru-106 plaque brachytherapy represents a reliable treatment of uveal melanoma. This technique is valid and safe with a low rate of ocular complications during a long-term follow-up.

Histopathology-guided management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia with corneal stromal or scleral invasion using ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy

Background/aimTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque brachytherapy in managing invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).MethodsThis is a retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series of 42 eyes with...

Outcomes following Notched Ruthenium-106 Plaque Brachytherapy for Juxtapapillary Choroidal Melanomas

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of juxtapapillary choroidal melanomas treated with notched ruthenium-106 plaques. Methods: Juxtapapillary choroidal melanomas (tumours within 2 disc diameters from the optic disc) treated with notched ruthenium-106 plaques (Eckert & Ziegler, BEBIG, Berlin, Germany) at the Scottish Ocular Oncology Service between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The data were analysed with respect to various outcome measures including recurrence, complications, vision, and eye preservation. Results: We reviewed 40 patients with a median tumour diameter of 8.4 mm (range 5–17 mm) and a median thickness of 2.5 mm (range 1.1–6 mm). AJCC tumour category distribution was 62.5% T1, 32.5% T2, and 5% T3 tumours. The mean presenting vision was 0.3 logMAR, and the mean final vision was 0.7 logMAR, with 62.5% retaining >1.0 logMAR and 50% retaining >0.3 logMAR at the final follow-up. The median follow-up was 51 months (14–100 months). Over the maximum follow-up time, 13 tumours (32.5%) recurred. Six of these were treated with salvage proton beam therapy (PBT), 2 with transpupillary thermotherapy followed by PBT, and 5 with enucleation. The final eye retention rate was 87.5%. Complications included maculopathy (10%), retinal detachment (5%), neovascular glaucoma (2.5%), and diplopia (2.5%). The observed risk of recurrence over 5 years was 31% (95% CI: 14.1%, 47.8%), and the risk of enucleation over 5 years was 11.5% (95% CI: 0.9%, 21.8%). Conclusion: Juxtapapillary choroidal melanomas treated with notched ruthenium plaques have a high recurrence rate and frequently need salvage treatment with PBT for tumour control. This has led to a change in our practice toward offering PBT as the first-line treatment for these patients.

Clinical Presentations and Outcomes of Retinoblastoma Patients in relation to the Advent of New Multimodal Treatments: A 12-Year Report from Single Tertiary Referral Institute in Thailand.

Purpose To investigate the clinical presentations and outcomes of retinoblastoma in relation to the advent of new multimodal treatments in Thailand. Patients and Methods. Retrospective case series. We evaluated the clinical presentation, staging, details of treatment, and treatment outcomes of retinoblastoma patients who were treated at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2018. The log-rank test was used to explore clinical characteristics and treatment modalities that affected globe salvage and survival curves. Results This study included 124 eyes of 81 patients with retinoblastoma. Forty-three patients (53.1%) had bilateral retinoblastoma. The median age at diagnosis was 8 months (range, 1–48 months). Of 124 eyes, 9 eyes (7.3%) had extraocular retinoblastoma and 115 eyes (92.7%) had intraocular retinoblastoma, which were classified by the International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) as group A, 4 eyes (3.5%); group B, 19 eyes (16.5%); group C, 6 eyes (5.2%); group D, 31 eyes (27%); and group E, 56 eyes (47.8%). Treatment included systemic chemotherapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy, ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, cryotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, subtenon chemotherapy, and intravitreal chemotherapy. At the median follow-up period of 38.4 months (range, 0.2–148.2 months), the overall globe salvage rate of intraocular retinoblastoma was 51.7%. For unilateral retinoblastoma, globe salvage rate was 37.5% (group B, 100%; group C, 100%; group D, 50%; and group E, 18.8%). For bilateral intraocular retinoblastoma, the globe salvage rate was 57.8% (group A, 100 %; group B, 94.4%; group C, 100%; group D, 64.7%; and group E, 28.2%). The overall survival rate was 93.8%. Conclusions Recent advanced treatment modalities have improved the probability of globe salvage. However, enucleation remains an important life-saving intervention in many advanced cases.

Cherenkov Luminescence Imaging for Assessment of Radioactive Plaque Position in Brachytherapy of Uveal Melanoma: An In Vivo Feasibility Study.

PurposeTo study the feasibility of using Cherenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) to evaluate and document ruthenium-106 plaque position during brachytherapy of uveal melanoma.MethodsRuthenium-106 decays by emitting high-energy beta particles. When the electrons pass through the eye, Cherenkov radiation generates a faint light that can be captured by highly sensitive cameras. Patients undergoing ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for posteriorly located choroidal melanoma were examined by CLI, which was performed in complete darkness with an electron multiplying charged-coupled device camera mounted on a fundus camera modified for long exposures.ResultsTen patients with tumors ranging from 5.8 to 13.0 mm in largest basal diameter and 2.0 to 4.6 mm in height were included. The plaques had an activity between 0.035 and 0.089 MBq/mm2 at the time of examination (1–4 days after implantation). CLI revealed the actual plaque position by displaying a circular area of light in the fundus corresponding with the plaque area. The Cherenkov light surrounded the tumor as a halo, which showed some asymmetry when the plaque was slightly displaced. The light intensity correlated positively with plaque activity and negatively with tumor pigmentation. Exposure times between 30 and 60 seconds were required to display the plaque position and delineate the tumor area. The long exposures made it difficult to maintain stable eye fixation and optimal image quality.ConclusionsCLI is a novel method to assess and document ruthenium-106 plaque position in brachytherapy for uveal melanoma.Translational RelevanceOcular CLI may provide relevant radiation data during and after implantation of radioactive plaques, thus improving the accuracy of episcleral brachytherapy.

OCT changes in peri-tumour normal retina following ruthenium-106 and proton beam radiotherapy for uveal melanoma

IntroductionUveal melanoma is most commonly treated with radiotherapy, destroying the tumour cells with adequate safety margins and limiting collateral damage to surrounding structures to preserve maximal vision. We used optical...

Retinal Vascular Changes in Radiation Maculopathy after Intravitreal Ranibizumab by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

In this prospective study, we investigated the structural and vascular retinal changes at baseline and after Ranibizumab injections at the last follow up to one year in patients affected by Radiation Maculopathy (RM) after plaque brachytheraphy in choroidal melanoma, using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT Angiography (OCTA). A total of 40 eyes with RM of 40 patients (18 females, 22 males, mean age 51.9 ± 11 years) that underwent ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy were included. All patients received one monthly intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab (Pro Re Nata regimen). We analyzed the Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) area, the retinal vessel density (VD) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and of the deep capillary plexus (DCP), using OCTA, and we detected the Central Foveal Thickness (CFT) by SD-OCT at baseline and after treatment. At the last follow up, we found a significant improvement of the CFT (p < 0.001) while OCTA parameters revealed no change in VD of the SCP (p = 0.402), DCP (p = 0.282), and FAZ area (p = 0.255), resulting in a stabilization of the visual acuity (p = 0.210) respect to baseline. The absence of functional improvement, despite the anatomical recovery of the macula, could be due to the absence of improvement in FAZ area and in retinal VD after treatment. OCTA parameters could represent predictive biomarkers to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal response and to help to better understand the physiopathological mechanisms of the RM.

Ru-106 plaque radiotherapy for vasoproliferative tumors of retina: a 15-year single-center experience.

This study evaluates the outcomes of ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque brachytherapy for vasoproliferative tumors (VPTs) of the ocular fundus in a single referral ocular oncology center. The clinical charts of all patients diagnosed with VPT who underwent plaque radiotherapy from 2002 to 2017 were reviewed. Clinical features, types of treatment, outcomes and complications were evaluated. Of 46 patients with VPT diagnosis in our ocular oncology clinic, 25 (54.34%) cases were treated with Ru-106 plaque brachytherapy. Eleven patients (44%) were male, and the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 40.92 ± 13.11years. The mean follow-up time was 47.56 ± 36.87months. Inferotemporal quadrant was the most common site of the tumor (64.00%). The mean delivered apex and scleral dose was 101.56 ± 6.51 and 412.26 ± 113.66 Gray (Gy), respectively. Initial tumor length, width and thickness were 10.26 ± 3.42, 8.05 ± 2.83 and 4.27 ± 1.10mm, respectively. The mean tumor thickness decreased to 2.60 ± 0.63mm, postoperatively. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid around the tumor was achieved in 81.80% of cases. Visual acuity was more than 20/400 in 64% of patients before treatment and 60% of patients at last follow-up. Our study showed that Ru-106 plaque radiotherapy is an effective and safe method of treatment in VPTs.

Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for the treatment of diffuse choroidal hemangioma in Sturge-Weber syndrome.

To evaluate the efficacy of ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for the treatment of diffuse choroidal hemangioma (DCH) in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). A total of 8 patients with DCH in SWS managed with plaque brachytherapy were retrospectively included. Patients were treated with ruthenium-106 plaque therapy (median apex dose: 83 Gy) at the thickest tumor region. On follow-up, we recorded the tumor thickness, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subretinal fluid (SRF) status, and complications following treatment. At a median follow-up of 43mo, tumor regression was observed in all cases, with a complete resolution of SRF and reduction in tumor-thickness. No radiation complications were recorded during the follow up time. Ruthenium-106 plaque therapy to the thickest portion of the tumor seems to be a useful treatment in patients with DCH in SWS.

Ruthenium-106 Plaque Brachytherapy for Ocular Tumors: A Review of 327 Cases

Ruthenium-106 Plaque Brachytherapy for Ocular Tumors: A Review of 327 Cases

Intravitreal aflibercept for the treatment of radiation-induced macular edema after ruthenium 106 plaque radiotherapy for choroidal melanoma.

To assess the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept in patients suffering from post-radiation macular edema following plaque radiotherapy for choroidal melanoma. This prospective, interventional case series included patients affected by radiation maculopathy (RM) with macular edema secondary to ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma. The effect of intravitreal aflibercept on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (sd-OCT), and Horgan's grading scale of RM was evaluated throughout the 24-month follow-up. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and possible complications were also recorded. Nine eyes of 9 patients were included. A mean of 4.4 ± 1.2 injections were given over the 24months. At the end of follow-up, mean BCVA was significantly improved, from 0.9 ± 0.19 logMAR at baseline to 0.56 ± 0.3 logMAR (P = 0.028), and mean CFT was significantly decreased, from 546 ± 123μm at baseline to 223 ± 34μm (P < 0.001). Intravitreal aflibercept lowered baseline maculopathy stage as well. No significant change in IOP values and no complications, such as endophthalmitis, was recorded. Intravitreal aflibercept is an effective treatment for patients with radiation-induced macular edema, allowing functional and anatomical improvements to be achieved with a relatively low number of injections.

Ruthenium-106 versus iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy of 571 choroidal melanomas with a thickness of ≥5.5 mm

BackgroundEpiscleral brachytherapy is the most common eye-preserving treatment for medium-sized choroidal melanomas. γ-emitting iodine-125 (125I) and β-emitting ruthenium-106 (106Ru) are widely used. The latter is however generally reserved for thinner...

Outcome Analysis of Visual Acuity and Side Effect after Ruthenium-106 Plaque Brachytherapy for Medium-sized Choroidal Melanoma.

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study is to report on treatment outcomes for medium-sized choroidal melanoma treated with Ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque brachytherapy.METHODS:A retrospective case series of 28 patients received Ru-106 brachytherapy treatment for choroidal melanoma. The prescribed tumor dose was 85 Gy to a depth of 5 mm.RESULTS:Median follow-up was 31.2 months. At 12 and 24-month postirradiation, the best corrected visual acuity ≥20/70 (LogMar ≥−0.54) was 53.8% and 64.2%, respectively. Median time to tumor regression was estimated to be 10 months (95% CI = 9–18 months), with 100% of response rate by 32 months. Radiation-induced side effects were limited, and there were no postradiation enucleations.CONCLUSIONS:The majority of patients maintained good visual acuity, with no enucleations and minimal side effects. In this cohort, the Ru-106 plaque brachytherapy proved to be an efficacious and safe treatment option for patients with medium-sized choroidal melanomas with a maximal tumor height of 5 mm.

Tumor parameters predict the risk of side effects after ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy of uveal melanomas.

BackgroundTo report on radiation-related side effects and complications after ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy of uveal melanomas.MethodsMedical records of 143 eyes with uveal melanoma, treated by ruthenium-106 brachytherapy between 1997 and 2012 at a single center, were analyzed.We evaluated the occurrence of radiation-related side effects on the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. The influence of patient, tumor and treatment parameters on outcome was analyzed by multivariate time to event analysis considering competing risks.ResultsThe median overall follow-up was 37.9 months.After treatment, the estimated risk at 12, 24 and 48 months for developing anterior segment complications was 25.3%, 37.5% and 50.3% for cataract formation and 5.4%, 6.4% and 8.1% for secondary glaucoma, respectively.The estimated risk for the occurrence of posterior segment complications 12, 24 and 48 months after treatment was 3.1%, 6.7% and 18.3% for radiation retinopathy, 18.3%, 27.1% and 42.6% for radiation maculopathy and 16.5%, 21.0% and 32.8% for radiation neuropathy, respectively. The risk of an increase in retinal detachment after treatment was 14.7%, 14.7% and 17.4% at 12, 24 and 48 months, respectively. The risk of vitreous hemorrhage occurring after treatment was 6.2%, 8.1% and 12.7%, and the risk of tumor vasculopathy was 15.4%, 17.4% and 19.0%. Scleral necrosis was observed in one patient.ConclusionRadiation-related side effects and complications are common among patients treated with ruthenium brachytherapy for uveal melanoma. However, the risk for those largely depends on individual tumor parameters.Before treatment, patients should be informed of their specific risks to develop various side effects.Patient information before treatment should cover not only general information about the treatment and possible complications and side effects but should also give details on the specific risks of the patient in her individual situation. This also includes elucidating the patient's individual resources and expectations and her willingness for long-term regular follow-up examinations and secondary adjunct treatments.

Use of Ruthenium-106 Brachytherapy for Iris Melanoma: The Scottish Experience

PurposeTo analyse long-term outcomes of ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy for the treatment of iris melanoma.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of 19 consecutive patients with pure iris melanoma treated with 106Ru...

Nomogram for predicting radiation maculopathy in patients treated with Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma.

PurposeTo develop a predictive model and nomogram for maculopathy occurrence at 3 years after 106Ru/106Rh plaque brachytherapy in uveal melanoma.Material and methodsClinical records of patients affected by choroidal melanoma and treated with 106Ru/106Rh plaque from December 2006 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: dome-shaped melanoma, distance to the fovea > 1.5 mm, tumor thickness > 2 mm, and follow-up > 4 months. The delivered dose to the tumor apex was 100 Gy. Primary endpoint of this investigation was the occurrence of radiation maculopathy at 3 years. Analyzed factors were as follows: gender, age, diabetes, tumor size (volume, area, largest basal diameter and apical height), type of plaque, distance to the fovea, presence of exudative detachment, drusen, orange pigment, radiation dose to the fovea and sclera. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to define the impact of baseline patient factors on the occurrence of maculopathy. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate freedom from the occurrence of the maculopathy. The model performance was evaluated through internal validation using area under the ROC curve (AUC), and calibration with Gronnesby and Borgan tests.ResultsOne hundred ninety-seven patients were considered for the final analysis. Radiation-related maculopathy at 3 years was observed in 41 patients. The proposed nomogram can predict maculopathy at 3 years with an AUC of 0.75. Distance to fovea appeared to be the main prognostic factor of the predictive model (hazard ratio of 0.83 [0.76-0.90], p < 0.01). Diabetes (hazard radio of 2.92 [1.38-6.20], p < 0.01), and tumor volume (hazard radio of 21.6 [1.66-281.14], p = 0.02) were significantly predictive for maculopathy occurrence. The calibration showed no statistical difference between actual and predicted maculopathy (p = 1).ConclusionsOur predictive model, together with its nomogram, could be a useful tool to predict the occurrence of radiation maculopathy at 3 years after the treatment.

Episcleral brachytherapy of uveal melanoma: role of intraoperative echographic confirmation

PurposeTo compare the rates of tumour recurrence following episcleral brachytherapy for uveal melanoma before and after implementation of intraoperative echographic confirmation of plaque placement.Materials and methodsAll patients with primary single...