Professional
Technical
IVT
episcleral plaque therapy
Pronunciation: eh-pih-SKLER-al
Targeted radiation treatment using radioactive plaques surgically attached to the eye's outer surface to treat intraocular tumors.
Full Definition
A form of brachytherapy specifically designed for ocular tumors where radioactive plaques (typically containing iodine-125 or ruthenium-106) are surgically sutured to the episcleral surface overlying the tumor. The plaque delivers focused radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Treatment duration typically ranges from 2-7 days before surgical removal of the plaque.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the isotope type when discussing plaque therapy protocols.
In Context
- "The ophthalmologist recommended episcleral plaque therapy as the preferred treatment modality for the patient's medium-sized choroidal tumor." — treatment planning report
- "Post-episcleral plaque therapy monitoring revealed stable tumor margins with no evidence of radiation retinopathy." — follow-up examination notes
Also known as
plaque radiotherapy
episcleral brachytherapy
Don't confuse with
external beam radiation
transpupillary thermotherapy