We’re pleased to share that Finger’s Essential Ophthalmic Oncology, one of the most comprehensive ophthalmic oncology textbooks available today, is now open-access and free to the public through Kugler Publications. That includes Chapter 21 – “High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy for Ocular Tumors and Benign Growths” – authored by Liberty Vision founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Paul T. Finger, MD. Download Chapter 21 for free at Kugler Publications

A Landmark Textbook, Now Freely Available

Finger’s Essential Ophthalmic Oncology (Kugler Publications, 2024) goes well beyond the basics of diagnosis and treatment. It brings together a synthesis of ophthalmic oncology knowledge, featuring “mind-map” decision-making flow charts, chapters on informed consent, surgical techniques, international outreach, and future directions. The book was edited by a broad spectrum of eye cancer sub-specialists and is designed to be useful for pediatric, adult, and radiation oncologists alike – as well as informative for patients. The Eye Cancer Foundation, which first announced the open-access release, notes that the textbook is a collaboration between Dr. Finger and many distinguished physicians who have worked or trained with him throughout his career. Every chapter is available individually and at no cost – simply add the chapter to your cart, and the price will be reduced to zero at checkout.

What Chapter 21 Covers

Chapter 21 provides a thorough review of beta-radiation brachytherapy for ocular tumors and benign growths – tracing the field from early cobalt-60 plaques through iodine-125, palladium-103, and ruthenium-106 systems, up to the current state of the art: the FDA-cleared LV Y-90 Disc. Key topics covered include:

  • The evolution of ocular brachytherapy from low-dose rate (LDR) gamma sources to high-dose rate (HDR) beta emitters
  • Why yttrium-90 alone – rather than the older strontium-90/yttrium-90 combination – simplifies dose calculation, reduces radiation exposure, and allows for environmentally friendly disposal after a short 64.1-hour half-life
  • The iWand applicator system, including the iWand A for anterior targets and the iWand P with its integrated four-point light guidance system for posterior lesions
  • Matched dose distribution: how the steep axial dose gradient of Y-90 delivers precise, high doses to the ocular surface while sparing surrounding normal tissue
  • Radiation safety protocols used in the operating room, from assembly behind a Lucite L-block shield to storage in a water-filled pitcher
  • Single-session treatment: HDR Y-90 treatments for iris and iridociliary melanomas and epibulbar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have been performed in a mean of approximately 7 minutes – compared to multi-day hospitalizations required with LDR approaches
  • Clinical results from the first published series, showing stable to improved visual acuities with no treatment-related infection, cataract, radiation retinopathy, or tumor recurrence at up to 18 months of follow-up
  • Broader applications of beta-radiation for benign conditions, including pterygium, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma filtering surgery

Liberty Vision’s Role in This Chapter

The LV Y-90 Disc and iWand applicators are featured prominently throughout the chapter as the current embodiment of HDR beta-radiation brachytherapy for the eye. Unlike prior strontium-90/yttrium-90 applicators – which contained two radionuclides, required multi-use maintenance, and could not be safely positioned on the posterior pole – the LV Y-90 system was purpose-built for precision, safety, and simplicity. The system received FDA 510(k) clearance and is available in 6 and 10 mm disc sizes for episcleral treatment of ocular tumors and benign growths. Its clinical implementation required close collaboration between ophthalmic oncology, radiation oncology, and medical physics – a multidisciplinary approach that is reflected in the depth of Chapter 21. You can find this chapter, along with links to all of our peer-reviewed publications, on the Liberty Vision Publications page.

How to Download the Chapter

Getting access is simple:

  1. Visit the chapter page at Kugler Publications
  2. Click “Buy chapter” – it is free
  3. Add to cart and proceed to checkout
  4. Enter your name, email, and country. You can check out as a guest (the PDF will be emailed to you) or create an account to access all downloaded chapters from your profile dashboard

Learn More

For more information about the open-access release of Finger’s Essential Ophthalmic Oncology, visit the Eye Cancer Foundation’s announcement. To learn more about the LV Y-90 Disc and iWand system, explore our Publications and Products pages, or contact us directly.

Disclosure: Paul T. Finger, MD is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Medical Officer of LV Liberty Vision Corporation.