Sub-Tenon Triamcinolone in the Prevention of Radiation-Induced Macular Edema

Summary

Melanoma is the most common primary tumour which occurs inside the eye. For over 20-years, it has been possible, in many cases, to use local delivery of radiation to the eye to treat this type of tumour, avoiding the need to surgically remove the affected eye. This treatment, however, is often complicated by radiation-induced loss of vision, months or years after treatment. The aim of this research project is to investigate the potential prevention of radiation complications in the eye by giving anti-inflammatory medication (a long-acting steroid) in the form of a local injection around the eye at the time of treatment, and at 4-months and 8-months following treatment. This medication (named 'triamcinolone') has been successfully used to treat similar complications of diabetic eye disease, for example, and has a good safety profile. The rationale of this study is to attempt to preserve vision, in addition to preserving the eye, in patients affected by this eye tumour, and therefore preserve quality of life for these patients.

Timeline

Start

2004-11

Primary completion

—

Completion

2007-05

Publications

• Background Shields CL, Shields JA, Gunduz K, Freire JE, Mercado G. Radiation therapy for uveal malignant melanoma. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers. 1998 May;29(5):397-409.
• Background Shields CL, Shields JA, Cater J, Gunduz K, Miyamoto C, Micaily B, Brady LW. Plaque radiotherapy for uveal melanoma: long-term visual outcome in 1106 consecutive patients. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000 Sep;118(9):1219-28. doi: 10.1001/archopht.118.9.1219.
• Background Shields CL, Cater J, Shields JA, Chao A, Krema H, Materin M, Brady LW. Combined plaque radiotherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal melanoma: tumor control and treatment complications in 270 consecutive patients. Arch Ophthalmol. 2002 Jul;120(7):933-40. doi: 10.1001/archopht.120.7.933.

Drugs

Indications