Secondary glaucoma in small versus large uveal melanoma patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery on linear accelerator

AIM: Secondary radiation-related side effects like secondary glaucoma (SG) of different modalities of treatment in uveal melanoma patients can appear in certain interval after therapy. This study describes the incidence of SG in patients after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). METHOD: The data of 230 patients treated by SRS were reviewed for SG. Group of 83 patients who were observed 5 years after treatment in one center with follow-up regularly at least 4 times per year were analyzed. RESULTS: In group of 83 patients with the median age 59 years, the median tumor volume at baseline was 0.41 cm3. The survival without SG after single dose SRS was 94 % in 1.5 year, 77 % in 2 years, 57 % in 3 years, 43 % in 3.5 years, and 18 % in 4.5 year after irradiation. In 6 patients (7.2 %) secondary enucleation was necessary due to SG. Both predictors (tumor volume and age of patient) at the time of SRS were not statistically significant by Cox proportional-hazards regression. CONCLUSIONS: Complications like SG in 5 year interval after irradiation can lead to secondary enucleation of the eye globe.