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Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) by infrared irradiation of choroidal melanoma

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Abstract

We studied the destructive effect of hyperthermia at sub-photocoagulation level of 45–60 °C on melanomas. Optimal conditions for spreading of heat into tissue are a wavelength of 700–900 nm, a temperature of 45–60 °C, an exposure time of 1 minute or more, and a beam diameter of several millimeters. In hamsters with subcutaneous melanomas we obtained a tumour necrosis of 6 mm depth at 60 °C and one minute exposure time. We performed transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) with a diode laser at 810 nm in patients with choroidal melanomas prior to enucleation. Treatment is based on the fortunate situation that irradiation at this wavelength combines optimal tissue penetration with a low absorption by clear ocular media of 5% or less. In 3 TTT-treated eyes histopathology showed a depth of necrosis of 0.9, 3.4, and 3.9 mm. TTT may become a new useful treatment modality for choroidal melanoma but its ultimate value has yet to be assessed.

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This study was supported by a grant from Het Haags Oogheelkundig Fonds, The Hague.

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Journée-De Korver, J.G., Oosterhuis, J.A., Kakebeeke-Kemme, H.M. et al. Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) by infrared irradiation of choroidal melanoma. Doc Ophthalmol 82, 185–191 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00160764

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00160764

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