What does it involve?

Brachytherapy is radiotherapy treatment at close range. It involves placing a radioactive source in contact with the surface of the eyeball with ruthenium-106 or iodine-125, which are radioactive isotopes.

When is it carried out?

The treatment is used for malignant intraocular tumours, such as choroidal melanomas, retinoblastomas and intraocular metastasis. Brachytherapy can also be indicated for cases of vascular tumours, such as retinal capillary angiomas and cavernous angiomas.

Prior examination

In the case of choroidal melanoma treatment, it is very important to find out the condition of the liver, because, if metastasis occurs, 90% of cases affect the liver. Liver function is checked by means of tests and a liver ultrasound. A CT scan should also be carried out to detect for tumours throughout the body. The scan uses a contrast technique to detect for tumours that are larger than 5 mm.

Before the surgery

In the case of choroidal melanoma treatment, it is very important to perform a comprehensive examination of the condition of the liver.

Surgery

During the procedure, the conjunctiva is dissected and, by means of transillumination or marking systems while observing the fundus, the tumour can be precisely located and the radioactive ruthenium or iodine plaque, which is prepared exclusively for the patient, can be positioned. These plaques are covered by a layer of silver or gold to ensure that the radiation is applied to the interior of the eyeball, preventing it from spreading outwards. The plaque is implanted with a certain dose of radiation that lethally damages the tumour cells, which, over the following months, atrophy and leave tumour-free scar tissue.

Risks

There are no significant risks to take into account.

Associated pathologies

FAQs

IMO Institute of Ocular Microsurgery

Josep María Lladó, 3
08035 Barcelona
Phone: (+34) 934 000 700
E-mail: international@imo.es
See map on Google Maps

By car

GPS navigator coordinates:
41º 24’ 38” N – 02º 07’ 29” E

Exit 7 of the Ronda de Dalt (mountain side). The clinic has a car park with more than 200 parking spaces.

By bus

Autobus H2: Rotonda de Bellesguard, parada 1540

Autobus 196: Josep Maria Lladó-Bellesguard, parada 3191

Autobuses H2, 123, 196: Ronda de Dalt – Bellesguard, parada 0071

IMO Madrid

C/ Valle de Pinares Llanos, 3
28035 Madrid
Phone: (+34) 910 783 783
See map in Google Maps

Public transport

Metro Lacoma (líne 7)
Autobuses:

  • Lines 49 & 64, stop “Senda del Infante”
  • Line N21, stop “Metro Lacoma”

Timetables

Patient care:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

IMO Andorra

Av. de les Nacions Unides, 17
AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
Phone: (+376) 688 55 44
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IMO Manresa

C/ Carrasco i Formiguera, 33 (Baixos)
08242 – Manresa
Tel: (+34) 938 749 160
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Public transport

FGC. Line R5 & R50 direction Manresa. Station/Stop: Baixador de Manresa

Timetables

Monday to Friday, 08:30 A.M – 13:30 PM / 15:00 PM – 20:00 PM

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