Stereotactic photon beam irradiation of uveal melanoma: indications and experience at the University of Vienna since 1997

Most uveal melanomas are currently treated by eye-preserving radiotherapy. No advantage of enucleation of posterior uveal melanoma (< 12 mm) could be demonstrated in multiple studies (e.g.). Besides brachytherapy and highly conformal proton therapy advanced photon beam therapy techniques have been introduced during the last years. Since 1997, at the Medical University of Vienna, patients with uveal melanoma have been treated with 3D stereotactic photon beam radiotherapy. Special fixation- and eye-monitoring systems have been developed to perform a local treatment which provides high local tumor control with acceptable long term side effects. (orig.)