Abstract

Purpose: To assess the outcomes of the spectrum of pediatric tumors treated with Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy.
Methodology: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series
Results: Pediatric cases constituted to be 94 (20%) of all plaque treated tumors. Mean age was 5.1+3.4y(range 1.5m to 16y). Cases varied from retinoblastoma 64(68%), choroid hemangioma 10(11%), retinal hemangioma 6(6%), surface squamous neoplasia 5(5%) to medulloepithelioma 3(3%). The tumors were treated with a dose range of 4000-10000cGy, depending upon the type of lesion. Complications included radiation retinopathy 9(10%), cataract formation 4(4%) & corneal opacity 1(1%). Vision salvage was achieved in 52(55%), eye salvage was achieved in 85(90%) and life salvage was achieved in all.
Conclusion: An introduction of plaque brachytherapy for pediatric ocular tumors has led to a significant increase in vision, eye & life salvage along with improved mental well-being of the children & their families.

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