The New York Eye Cancer Center (NYECC) is a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of eye cancer. NYECC Director Dr. Paul Finger has driven research into radiation therapy for eye cancers. His expertise has been recognized by both the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) who have asked him to create guidelines for eye plaque radiation therapy.
In 1991, Dr. Finger invented the use of palladium-103 plaque brachytherapy for intraocular melanoma to improve on iodine-125 therapy. In order to improve local control and allow for a better cosmetic result, he introduced high-dose-rate (HDR) treatment for melanoma extension outside the eye. Clearly, no matter where a patients eye melanoma extends, Dr. Finger can treat it.
Dr. Fingers innovations are not limited to treatment of ocular melanoma. He first demonstrated how ultrasonic biomicroscopy could be used for the diagnosis of childhood retinoblastoma and other eye cancers. This technique provides clearer, more detailed images of the front of the eye than traditional ultrasound. He’s also pioneered the use of OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) to monitor radiation retinopathy during his United States patented anti-VEGF suppressive therapy.
Once Dr. Finger makes a diagnosis, he employs innovative treatments developed at the NYECC and that have become industry standards. This includes a breakthrough techniques to treat “melanoma” the most common cancer within the eye. From his experience, he know his results were comparatively excellent. So for the first time, on this web site Dr. Finger has published his results for the world to see.
Dr. Finger pioneered the use of slotted eye plaques, making it possible to save the eyes of patients whose choroidal melanoma is wrapped around, touching or near the optic nerve. He also invented a safe biopsy technique for iris and orbital tumors, utilizing a micro-incision aspiration cutter.
Believing in excellence through innovation, Dr. Finger offers treatments that are not widely available. His mission is to achieve the best possible outcomes with the least amount of risk. He deploys the latest techniques and technology to maximize outcomes for each case. Dr. Finger says, “it is careful attention to detail (for each patient) that allows patients at NYECC to do so well.” Delivering the best outcome is the heart of our philosophy of patient-centered care.
