Cancers of the eye and surrounding area
Cancers of the eye and its surroundings are very rare. QST Hospital currently treats choroidal malignant melanoma and lacrimal gland cancer with carbon ion therapy, and both are covered by insurance in Japan.
Choroidal malignant melanoma
A rare cancer of the choroid inside the eye. Enucleation, brachytherapy, and particle therapy such as carbon ions and protons are considered standard treatments. Vision-preserving treatments have been pursued steadily, and QST Hospital has treated it with carbon ions since 2001.
Side effects for choroidal melanoma
Dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis may occur early but are mostly mild. Later, neovascular glaucoma or increased eye pressure due to tumor bleeding may become a problem.
Lacrimal gland cancer
A rare cancer of the lacrimal gland, about 60% of which is adenoid cystic carcinoma. There is no established standard; postoperative radiotherapy is common, but radical surgery removes the orbital contents, affecting quality of life and appearance. QST Hospital began a clinical trial in 2002 and has treated it under insurance since April 2018, testing a method that irradiates the entire orbit while giving a higher dose to visible lesions.
Side effects for lacrimal gland cancer
Early on, dermatitis (treated with ointment) and conjunctivitis/keratitis (eye drops) occur and usually subside about 2 months after treatment. Vision then gradually declines, and the treated eye eventually loses sight. Dry eye, keratitis, and increased eye pressure may occur, and the skin may show pigmentation or depigmentation. All eyelashes fall out, sometimes the eyebrows too, and they do not grow back.
Procedure and schedule
First discuss the treatment policy with your current physician, obtain a referral letter, and book the first visit through your medical institution. After the first visit, preparation such as treatment-planning CT takes 3–4 days, often as an inpatient. The plan is then created and verified over 1.5–2 weeks before treatment. Choroidal melanoma receives 4 fractions (1 week) and lacrimal gland cancer 12 fractions (about 3 weeks). Follow-up is conducted jointly by the referring institution and QST Hospital.