PURPOSE:

To determine the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of choroidal metastasis.

DESIGN:

Retrospective, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS:

Nine tumors in 8 eyes of 8 patients.

INTERVENTION:

Photodynamic therapy using verteporfin at a dose of 6 mg/m(2) body surface area and 689 nm diode laser at an intensity of 600 mW/cm(2) for 83 seconds (50 J/cm(2)).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Tumor control and best-corrected visual acuity.

RESULTS:

Nine choroidal metastases in 8 eyes were treated with 1 (8 tumors) or 2 (1 tumor) sessions of PDT. The mean tumor basal diameter was 7 mm (median, 7 mm [range, 2-13 mm]), and mean tumor thickness was 2.9 mm (median, 2.9 mm [range, 1.6-4 mm]). All 9 tumors were associated with shallow subretinal fluid. After PDT, complete control with resolution of subretinal fluid was achieved in 7 tumors (78%), with mean tumor thickness reduction of 39% (median, 43% [range, 6%-61%]). Two tumors failed to respond to PDT, both requiring plaque radiotherapy. Improvement or stabilization of vision was achieved in 7 eyes. Photodynamic therapy-related complications included intraretinal hemorrhage in 1 eye.

CONCLUSIONS:

Photodynamic therapy can be an effective alternative for the treatment of choroidal metastasis.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S):

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.