Plaque brachytherapy – Radiating positivity

Background: Plaque brachytherapy is an evolving, yet effective globe and vision-sparing modality for the treatment of intraocular tumors by transscleral irradiation of the tumor base with a radioactive implant. The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) along with the collaboration of the international multicenter Ophthalmic Oncology Task Force (OOTF) was assembled to reach a consensus regarding establishing practice guidelines and setting standards of care for intraocular tumors. The advent of plaque brachytherapy has revolutionized the outcomes of intraocular tumors, thus ensuring globe salvage, reducing morbidity and mortality, and avoiding cosmetic disfigurement. A well-planned dosimetry for plaque brachytherapy results in achieving local tumor control and excellent prognosis. Purpose: This technique provides the advantage of focal radiation, thus eliminating the damage to the adjacent structures, minimal periorbital tissue damage, absence of cosmetic disfigurement owing to lack of retarded bone growth as seen in external beam radiotherapy. Thus, it reduces the risk of metastasis, and with the recent advances, it provides a shorter duration of treatment. Synopsis: In this video, we shall display the concept of plaque brachytherapy, the various types of plaques available, different radiations sources, planning dosimetry and calculations, target disease spectrum, surgical placement, and post-radiation outcomes in terms of local tumor control and prognosis. Highlights: This video highlights the history, basic principles and techniques of plaque brachytherapy and provides an understanding of its applications in the world of ocular oncology.

Glabellar flap technique in oculoplastic surgery

Facial skin defect reconstruction in medial?canthal area of the lids can be a challenge even when performed by a skilled surgeon. The excision of large tumors in this area leads to significant surgical defects that cannot be repaired by merely closing the wound. The glabellar area provides a source of redundant skin with similar characteristics to that of the medial?canthal lid area. The purpose show the possibility of the glabellar flap technique surgery in patients after tumor excision in the medial canthal area with the formation of a large surgical defect and especially those with defect under the medial canthal tendon. We selected 15 well?documented retrospective cases of patients operated over 2 years and followed up for a minimum of 36 months, who underwent surgery with a glabellar flap technique. Patients were operated with V?Y glabellar rotation, advancement, or combined transposition flap techniques. According to the defect’s location, we divided the patients into three groups: upper, medial, and lower surgical defects. A satisfactory functional result was obtained in all the patients. In most of them, the cosmetic results were also good. No additional surgical procedures were required in any of the patients. Our experience showed excellent results with the glabellar flap technique in all three types of lesions in the medial canthal zone— upper, medial, and especially lower which until recently was thought to be inappropriate

Swept-source optical coherence tomography features of regressed macular retinoblastoma

Purpose: To describe the swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) features of regressed macular retinoblastoma (RB). Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 13 patients with regressed macular RB with good fixation in at least one eye. Fundus photography and SS-OCT were documented. High-resolution scans with good signal strength were selected. The types of clinical regression and SS-OCT characteristics of the regressed lesions (presence of vitreous detachment, intratumor schisis/cavitation, calcification, foveal dip, and OCT pattern) were noted. Results: Of the 13 eyes, 7 (53%) were group B, 4 (30%) were group C, and 2 (17%) were group D. Lesion involving fovea was seen in seven eyes (53%). On SS-OCT, the lesion was isodense to hyperdense in all cases. Three patterns of regressed RB were noted on OCT. Intralesion calcification was noted in eight cases. Subretinal fluid was not detected in any of the cases. Conclusion: SS-OCT is a useful technology to image and analyze cases of regressed macular RB including large lesions. SS-OCT system helps in successful imaging even in smaller children.

Options for management of intra ocular tumors.

The management of intra ocular tumors has undergone a sea change from the era of enucleation or external beam radiation. With the advent of new chemotherapy protocols, globe and vision salvage have become possible in a majority of cases of retinoblastoma. This article is an overview of the various modalities available for the management of intra ocular tumors and their indications. Chemotherapy has been covered elsewhere in this series of articles on ocular oncology. Photocoagulation and cryopexy are easily administered modalities of treatment for small tumors and totally within the ophthalmologist’s domain. Slightly larger tumors are treatable with brachytherapy. The susceptibility of the tumors to chemotherapy and radiation decide the choice of treatment and the dosage. Management of intra ocular tumors very often needs a multidisciplinary approach including ophthalmologist, oncologist, radiation physicist, and radiotherapist.