Conjunctival Lymphoma: Retrospective Analysis of the Treatment Result and Complications with Radiation Therapy

Kim, Kyoung Ju; Ahn, Seung Do; Choi, Eun Kyung; Chang, Hyesook; Kim, Jong Hoon

Abstract

PURPOSE: In order to evaluate the response to radiation therapy and to analyze the patterns of failure, survival and complications, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients with conjunctival lymphoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From November 1991 to March 1999, 11 patients were diagnosed as conjunctival lymphoma at Asan Medical Center. Five patients had bilateral involvements, and a total of 16 eyes received radiation therapy. Using 6 to 9 MeV electrons or 4 MV photon beams, all patients were treated with a single anterior field to total doses ranging from 30 Gy to 45 Gy delivered in 10 to 25 fractions. The median follow up period was 57 Months.
RESULTS
All patients achieved a complete response with radiation therapy. Two of 16 eyes that were treated (12.5%) developed local recurrence after radiation therapy, however they were salvaged with 30 Gy of reirradiation. The five-year local control was 88.9%. One out of 11 patients (9.9%) developed lung metastasis and received chest irradiation. At the last follow up, one had died of pneumonia and 10 patients were alive without disease evidence. The five-year overall survival rate was 77.8% and 5-year disease free survival was 77.8%. Cataract and dry eye occurred in one patient (9.9%) respectively.
CONCLUSION
Radiation therapy is a very effective and safe treatment modality for conjunctival lymphoma. The local control rate of radiotherapy was excellent and complications were acceptable. Radiation therapy is also an effective treatment modality for recurrent conjunctival lymphoma. It generally requires more than three months to achieve complete response following radiation therapy, thus we recommend evaluating the response to radiation therapy at three months after completion of treatment.