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Photocoagulation an option for certain retinal tumors, surgeon says
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Laser photocoagulation may be a treatment option for vasoproliferative retinal tumors, according to a surgeon speaking here.
Alain Gaudric, MD, said treatment modalities for vasoproliferative retinal tumors remain controversial. Several methods of treatment have been tried, including cryotherapy and plaque radiotherapy. Dr. Gaudric spoke here during Retina Subspecialty Day, held in conjunction with the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
Laser photocoagulation seems to be effective for occluding the vascular component of vasoproliferative retinal tumors, rather than eradication of the tumor itself, which is the main goal of other treatments, he added.
Dr. Gaudric treated eight consecutive patients using either argon laser photocoagulation at the slit lamp or endolaser photocoagulation in conjunction with vitrectomy. Patient follow-up ranged from 7 months to 10 years.
All patients showed complete regression of subretinal fluid and had a significant regression of subretinal exudates, he said.
Best corrected visual acuity improved 3 or more lines in two patients, and the other six patients maintained vision.