Design and dosimetric considerations of a modified COMS plaque: the reusable "seed-guide" insert.

The Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) developed a standardized set of eye plaques that consist of a 0.5 mm thick bowl-like gold alloy backing with a cylindrical collimating lip. A Silastic seed carrier into which 125I seeds are loaded was designed to fit within the backing.

Palladium 103 (103Pd) plaque radiation therapy for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma with retinal detachment.

Objective: To describe clinical experience with palladium 103 ((103)Pd) ophthalmic plaque radiotherapy for choroidal hemangioma.

Methods: One course of (103)Pd ophthalmic plaque radiotherapy was used in each of 5 patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma who had progressive loss of vision due to subretinal exudation. A mean apex dose of 2900 cGy (2900 rad) was delivered.

Radiation-blocking glasses allow vision during ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy.

Purpose: To evaluate the use of leaded safety glasses to block radiation and allow for vision during ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy.

Design: Interventional case series.

Methods: Eight patients were treated with palladium 103 ophthalmic plaque radiotherapy and measured for emitted radiation while wearing leaded glasses or a lead patch.

Palladium-103 plaque radiotherapy for choroidal melanoma: an 11-year study.

Purpose: To describe 11 years of experience with 103Pd ophthalmic plaque brachytherapy for intraocular melanoma.

Methods And Materials: Since 1990, 152 patients have been diagnosed with uveal melanoma, found to be negative for metastatic disease, and treated with 103Pd radioactive plaque radiotherapy. This study presents the first 100 patients treated with 103Pd and followed for > or = 2 years.