Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin of choroidal malignancy from breast cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for treating a submacular choroidal metastasis from breast cancer.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: Multispot PDT irradiation of tumor surface was performed in a 45-year-old woman who had a choroidal metastasis from breast cancer in the right eye. The response of uveal metastasis to photodynamic action was investigated with the use of fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results: Within four months after photosensitization, the exudative detachment of the macula was resolved, with improvement in the visual acuity following decrease in the tumor vascular permeability and absorption of subretinal fluid.

Conclusions: PDT can effectively destroy a malignant tissue and induce an antitumor activity. PDT as an adjunct to chemotherapy is a possible treatment and might be appropriate for patients who require ocular treatment only.