A Randomized Controlled Trial of Varying Radiation Doses in the Treatment of Choroidal Melanoma

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Abstract
MELANOMA of the uveal tract is the most common primary intraocular malignancy and the only potentially fatal intraocular tumor in the adult. Over the past few decades enucleation has been replaced by radiotherapy (RT) as the standard management of these tumors. Radiotherapy offers the advantage of preservation of the eye, and may conserve a useful level of vision, depending on the size of the tumor and its location with respect to the optic disc and macula. Two major types of radiotherapy are available: radioactive plaques that are sutured on the sclera over the area of the tumor,1-4 and external beam irradiation using charged particles such as protons5-8 and helium ions.9 These modalities, although effective in achieving local tumor control, may be associated with high rates of morbidity, particularly when the tumor is large or is located near the optic disc or fovea.10