[The role of beta-ray therapy in the treatment of choroidal and ciliary body melanomas].

100 cases of uveal melanomas, were treated with 106RU 106RH beta-brachytherapy, between June 1983 and September 1987. 82 eyes having a follow-up superior or equal to 12 months, were analysed. 13 of these 82 eyes have been enucleated. 4 patients have died. 3 have at this time, hepatic dissemination. The first 43 patients were analysed at the 18th month after irradiation. The majority of tumors with initial thickness inferior to 5 mm had a regression superior to 50%, at the 18th month. The majority of tumors with initial thickness superior to 5 mm, had a regression inferior to 50%, at the same time. Functional results have also been noticed in this series of 43 eyes, and were satisfactory.