Photodynamic therapy for choroidal metastasis from carcinoid tumor

Abstract 

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of a choroidal metastasis unresponsive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Design

Interventional case report.

Methods

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was performed. Visual acuity, local tumor control, and complications were assessed.

Results

A 72-year-old woman was diagnosed with bilateral, biopsy-proven choroidal metastasis from a pulmonary carcinoid tumor that was resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The tumor in the left eye caused a retinal detachment and vision loss to light perception. The smaller lesion in the right eye progressively enlarged toward the fovea despite therapy and was treated with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. Within 2 months, the exudative detachment resolved, the visual acuity returned to baseline, and the tumor volume decreased by 50%.

Conclusion

Photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment option for selected patients with choroidal metastasis.