Melanoma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Melanoma, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Finger's amniotic membrane buffer technique: protecting the cornea during radiation plaque therapy.

Finger PT

The New York Eye Cancer Center, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and the New York University School of Medicine, New York 10065, USA. pfinger@eyecancer.com

OBJECTIVE: To use amniotic membranes as a buffer between the cornea and radioactive eye plaques. METHODS: Six melanomas were treated with ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy. Plaque-tumor localization required that a portion of the gold plaque touch the cornea during treatment. To enhance patient comfort and protect the cornea, an (0.1-mm-thick) amniotic membrane was interposed between the metal plaque edge and the cornea. RESULTS: Minimal ocular discomfort was noted during plaque radiation therapy. On a scale of 1 (none) to 10 (severe), all 6 patients reported pain levels of 1. As a tissue equivalent and because the mean thickness was only 0.1 mm, amniotic membranes had no significant effect on radiation dose calculations. No adverse effects, infections, or abrasions were noted. CONCLUSION: The amniotic membrane buffer technique improves patient comfort and protects the cornea during ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy.

Published 16 April 2008 in Arch Ophthalmol, 126(4): 531-4.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Melanoma Research Today. All Rights Reserved.