[Endoresection of large uveal melanomas after pretreatment by single-dose stereotactic convergence irradiation with the leksell gamma knife--first experience on 46 cases].

Background: The aim of this non-comparative, consecutive case series is to evaluate the short-term results after endoresection of large uveal melanomas in combination with pretreatment with stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery.

Methods: Between March 2000 and November 2002, forty-six patients with large uveal melanomas underwent stereotactic radiosurgery followed by endoresection of the tumour via a standard three-port vitrectomy including laser photocoagulation and silicone oil tamponade. The average tumour height was 9.

[Stereotactic radiosurgery using the Gamma Knife for large uveal melanomas].

Background: We report the results over 3 years with stereotactic radiosurgery using the Gamma Knife for large and unsuitably located uveal melanomas.

Patients And Methods: A total of 100 patients (51 male, 49 female) have been treated since 1997 following a standardised treatment protocol (outpatient single-shot treatment, maximum dose 50 Gy, tumour margin dose min.25 Gy, retrobulbar anaesthesia alone for globe fixation).

[Endoscopic resection of malignant melanomas of the uvea after preoperative stereotactic single dose convergence irradiation with the Leksell gamma knife].

In cases of large volume and highly prominent melanomas of the uvea, it is rare for conventional methods of radiation therapy to enable salvage of the globe or even residual functionality of the affected eye. Complications due to the massive amount of accumulated necrotic tissue often necessitate subsequent enucleation of the blinded eye. Tumor-destroying, single-dose convergence irradiation (radiosurgery) of such tumors applied shortly before endoresection can represent a possible therapeutic alternative in these types of cases.

[Stereotaxic precision irradiation of large uveal melanomas with the gamma knife].

Background: We report our experience with stereotactic radiosurgery using the Gamma-knife in large uveal melanoma unsuitable for brachytherapy (Ru106).

Patients And Methods: We treated 35 patients (16 male, 19 female; age: median 59 years (95% Confidence interval (CI): 31-84 years; 18 right eyes, 17 left eyes). 7 tumors were located juxtapapillary, 16 tumors were located in the mid-periphery and 12 tumors were located in the ciliary body, The localization and/or the dimension of the tumors did not allow for radiation brachytherapy (Ru106).

Stereotactic radiosurgery of large uveal melanomas with the gamma-knife.

Objective: To present our experience with the Gamma-knife in treating large uveal melanomas with stereotactic radiosurgery.

Design: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.

Participants: Fifty-eight patients with unilateral uveal melanomas were treated from 1996 through 1999 with stereotactic radiosurgery using the Gamma-knife.