Experimental ruthenium plaque therapy of amelanotic and melanotic melanomas in the hamster eye

The effects of beta-radiation on melanoma implanted into the hamster's eye were investigated. Two Bomirski hamster melanomas (BHMs), differing in their melanin content, were compared with regard to their radiosensitivity to ruthenium-106 (106Ru) radiation. Tumours growing in the iris were irradiated with 3, 6 or 10 Gy of 106Ru given as a single dose or in four fractions at 24 h Intervals. Tumour growth kinetics and distant metastases were studied, and the eyeballs were examined histologically. Dose-dependent delay of tumour growth was observed in both melanomas. After treatment with a dose of 6 Gy, the Ab amelanotic tumours grew 2.6 times slower, and the Ma melanotic tumours 1.4 times slower than untreated ones. The location of metastases differed in the two tested lines--pigmented metastases were found mainly in the lungs, while unpigmented metastases were found mainly in the kidneys. Histopathological analysis showed signs of blood vessel damage such as endothelial cells swelling, erythrocyte extravasation and tumour necrosis. This last finding increased with the rising dose of beta-radiation. Pigmented tumours were found to be two times more resistant to beta-radiation than amelanotic ones. The pattern of metastases of BHMs is determined by the type of melanoma (Ab or Ma). Exposure to beta-radiation from 106Ru did not significantly affect either the number or size of metastases except at a dose of 10 Gy. This dose caused a statistically significant decrease in the number of metastases in the Ma melanotic subline.

[Tumors of the lacrimal gland]

Analysis of the primary lacrimal organ tumors was made. In 9 cases lacrimal gland and in 6 cases lacrimal sac was surgical treatment. Long-term results were good in all benign lesions.

[Primary orbital tumors in children]

We present the incidence, diagnosis and clinical picture of the primary orbital tumors in children. They were treated in ENT Clinic CM UJ in Kraków between 1981-1990 years. Discovered was preponderance of primary non malignant tumors. The most frequently encountered tumors were dermatomas, angiomas and among the malignant tumors-rhabdomyosarcoma.

[Surgeries of the orbit]

Krönlein was the first ophthalmologist to carry out orbital surgery. He described the temporal approach. The purpose of this paper is to report the earliest findings and results in tumors of the orbit in 101 patients who was treated with surgery in ORL CM UJ Clinic in Kraków. Retrobullar tumors of the orbit require a bone orbitotomy.