Fluorescence image-guided surgery and repetitive Photodynamic Therapy in brain metastatic malignant melanoma

Abstract

Metastatic brain melanoma occurs in about 3.5% of patients suffering from malignant melanoma. It has disabling effects on cognition, memory, language and mobility. We studied the use of fluorescence image-guided resection and repetitive Photodynamic Therapy in six consecutive metastatic brain melanomas. Three were males and the mean age of the group was 52.8 years.

Results: All six patients (100%) remained free of brain disease till death, 50% died of malignant melanoma elsewhere, and 50% died of unrelated causes.

Conclusion: Adjuvant fluorescence image-guided resection and repetitive Photodynamic Therapy offers an excellent local control of metastatic brain melanoma.