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This abstract is assigned to session AOB: Academia Ophthalmologica Belgica

Title	The use of Iridium Brachytherapy in multifocal and non-limbal conjunctival melanoma
Abstract Nr.	1026

Purpose	To describe technique, possibilities and outcome for Iridium brachytherapy in conjunctival melanoma. As data show that irradiation decreases the number of recurrences and has a trend to give better survival in conjunctival melanomas, iridium brachytherapy was used as adjuvant therapy in difficult cases.
Methods	Description of seven patients with conjunctival melanoma.
Results	In seven patients with non-limbal conjunctival melanoma, iridium needles were used to apply irradiation of the tumor beds. A mean follow-up of 3 years was found. No recurrences were detected. One patient died due to his melanoma within 2 years after treatment of the primary tumor. In one patient a scleral thinning was found. All patients have transient dry eye syndrome, and (temporal) loss of eye lashes. None of the patients show irradiation retinopathy or cataract within the follow-up period. In one patient the treatment could be safely combined with strontium plaque therapy for a large perilimbal component.
Conclusion	Iridium brachytherapy is a safe adjuvant procedure for the treatment of extended and multifocal non-limbal conjunctival melanomas, which gives good local control.

Authors 1

Last name	MISSOTTEN
Initials	G
Department	Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 2

Last name	Van Limbergen
Initials	E
Department	Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
City	Leuven

Authors 3

Last name	Spileers
Initials	W
Department	Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
City	Leuven