beta-Ray treatment of malignant epibulbar melanoma

Abstract

Sixty-eight patients suffering from conjunctival melanoma were treated by beta-irradiation. The dose given ranged between 15,000 and 20,000 rd at the tumor surface. In 75% the therapy was successful. In 67,4% the melanoma could be cured by beta-irradiation alone with a follow-up period between three and ten years. The lethality rate from proven metastases was only 6.2%. The regression time after beta-therapy, as a rule, exceeded several months. Beta-rays can be used either primarily or after tumor excision. Care should be taken that the applicator covers all the tissue containing tumor cells.