Clinical and pathologic characteristics of biopsy-proven iris melanoma: a multicenter international study

High-Dose-Rate Yttrium-90 (90Y) Episcleral Plaque Brachytherapy for Iris and Iridociliary Melanoma

Purpose

To describe a pilot study on the use of single-session, high-dose-rate, Food and Drug Administration-cleared, yttrium-90 (Y90) plaque brachytherapy for iris and iridociliary melanoma.

Design

A single-center, clinical case series.

Participants

Six consecutive patients were included in this study. Each was diagnosed with an iris or iridociliary melanoma based on clinical examination with or without biopsy.

Methods

Each tumor was staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria and received Y90 eye plaque brachytherapy. The main variables were tumor size, patient age, sex, and method of diagnosis (clinical or biopsy). Surgical techniques, treatment durations, and ocular side effects were recorded. Local control was defined as a lack of tumor growth or regression determined by clinical examinations, including slit-lamp and gonio photography, as well as high-frequency ultrasound measurements. Toxicity parameters included acute and short-term corneal/scleral change, anterior segment inflammation, and cataract progression.

Main Outcome Measures

Local and systemic cancer control, tumor regression, visual acuity, as well as radiation-related normal tissue toxicity.

Results

High-dose-rate Y90 plaque brachytherapy was used to treat small (American Joint Committee on Cancer cT1) category melanomas. Single-surgery high-dose-rate irradiations were performed under anesthesia. Because of short treatment durations, high-dose-rate Y90 did not require the additional procedures used for low-dose-rate plaque (e.g., sutures, amniotic membrane epicorneal buffering, Gunderson flaps, and second surgeries for plaque removal). Only conjunctival recession was used to avoid normal tissue irradiation. High-dose-rate Y90 treatment durations averaged 8.8 minutes (median, 7.9; range, 5.8-12.9). High-dose-rate Y90 brachytherapy was associated with no periorbital, corneal (Descemet folds), or conjunctival edema. There was no acute or short-term anterior uveitis, secondary cataract, scleropathy, radiation retinopathy, maculopathy, or optic neuropathy. The follow-up was a mean of 16.0 (range 12-24) months. Evidence of local control included a lack of expansion of tumor borders (n = 6, 100%), darkening with or without atrophy of the tumor surface (n = 5/6, 83%), and a mean 24.5% reduction in ultrasonographically measured tumor thickness. There were no cases of metastatic disease.

Conclusions

High-dose-rate Y90 brachytherapy allowed for single-surgery, minimally invasive, outpatient irradiation of iris and iridociliary melanomas.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Pathological and Molecular Diagnosis of Uveal Melanoma

(1) Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a common malignant intraocular tumor that presents with significant genetic differences to cutaneous melanoma and has a high genetic burden in terms of prognosis. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search of several repositories on uveal melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, molecular analysis, and treatment was conducted. (3) Results: Recent genetic understanding of oncogene-initiation mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, PLCB4, and CYSLTR2 and secondary progression drivers of BAP1 inactivation and SF3B1 and EIF1AX mutations offers an appealing explanation to the high prognostic impact of adding genetic profiling to clinical UM classification. Genetic information could help better explain peculiarities in uveal melanoma, such as the low long-term survival despite effective primary tumor treatment, the overwhelming propensity to metastasize to the liver, and possibly therapeutic behaviors. (4) Conclusions: Understanding of uveal melanoma has improved step-by-step from histopathology to clinical classification to more recent genetic understanding of oncogenic initiation and progression.

Predictive model for iris melanoma

AimTo develop a predictive model for the diagnosis of iris melanoma.

METHODS

Retrospective consecutive case series that included 100 cases of pathologically confirmed iris melanoma and 112 cases of Iris naevus, either pathological confirmation or documented stability of >1 year. Patient demographic data, features of clinical presentation, tumour characteristics and follow-up were collected. Iris melanoma with ciliary body extension was excluded. Lasso logistic regression with 10-fold cross-validation was used to select the tuning parameter. Discrimination was assessed with the area under the curve (AUC) and calibration by a plot.

RESULTS

There was a significant asymmetry in the location of both nevi and melanoma with preference for inferior iris quadrants (83, 74%) and (79, 79%), respectively (p=0.50). Tumour seeding, glaucoma and hyphaema were present only in melanoma. The features that favoured the diagnosis of melanoma were size (increased height (OR 3.35); increased the largest basal diameter (OR 1.64)), pupillary distortion (ectropion uvea or corectopia (OR 2.55)), peripheral extension (angle or iris root involvement (OR 2.83)), secondary effects (pigment dispersion (OR 1.12)) and vascularity (OR 6.79). The optimism-corrected AUC was 0.865. The calibration plot indicated good calibration with most of the points falling near the identity line and the confidence band containing the identity line through most of the range of probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive model provides direct diagnostic prediction of the lesion being iris melanoma expressed as probability (%). Use of a prediction calculator (app) can enhance decision-making and patient counselling. Further refinements can be undertaken with additional datasets, forming the basis for automated diagnosis.

Cysts and tumours of the iris: Diagnostic tools and key management considerations-A review

The iris is a unique structure, with exquisite variations in colour and form. Pathological changes, specifically including iris cysts and tumours are relatively uncommon, difficult to diagnose, and yet potentially blinding or life-threatening. Based on a comprehensive literature review, with highly illustrated key case examples, this report aims to guide the clinician in filtering the differential diagnoses of iris cysts and tumours. Evaluation is in the context of key diagnostic clinical tools and management considerations. Diagnostic imaging techniques include serial anterior segment photography, ultrasound, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and iris fluorescein angiography, however, the roles of computerised topography and magnetic resonance imaging are also considered in this review. Management includes categorisation in terms of solid iris tumours (melanocytic vs. non-melanocytic), or iris cysts (primary vs. secondary) that may be usefully differentiated by clinical assessment, avoiding more invasive interventions. Cystic lesions are generally benign, although implantation cysts in particular cause significant complications and surgical challenges. Most solid tumours are melanocytic and also typically benign. However, in larger lesions, rapid growth, symptoms and complications more likely indicate malignancy, requiring further investigation.

Iris melanoma: Review of clinical features, risks, management, and outcomes

Primary uveal melanoma is rare and affects approximately 8,000 persons per year worldwide. This malignancy can involve the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Of these three structures, the iris is the least commonly affected site, representing only 4% of all uveal melanomas. Iris melanoma can arise from iris melanocytic nevus, iris melanocytosis, or de novo. In a longitudinal study of 1,611 patients with iris nevus, transformation into melanoma, using Kaplan-Meier estimates, was found in 2.6% by five years and in 4.1% by 10 years. The factors that predicted growth of iris melanocytic nevus into melanoma are denoted by a letter (ABCDEF) guide: A for age ≤40 years old at presentation (hazard ratio [HR] = 3, P = .01), B for blood (hyphema) (HR = 9, P < .0004), C for clock hour of tumor inferiorly (tumor location) (HR = 9, P = .03), D for diffuse flat tumor configuration (HR = 14, P = .02), E for ectropion uveae (HR = 4, P = .002), and F for feathery ill-defined margins (HR = 3, P = .02). At diagnosis, iris melanoma has a mean cross-sectional diameter of 5.5 mm and thickness of 2.1 mm, often with tumor seeding (28%) and secondary glaucoma (35%). We provide a comprehensive review of iris nevus and melanoma to explore relevant demographic and clinical data, risk factors for tumor growth, management, and prognosis, with the hope that clinicians will be more comfortable in understanding this rare malignant condition.

Effectiveness of treatment for iris melanoma: surgical versus radiotherapeutic approaches

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of preventing metastasis for each major treatment modality for iris melanoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred consecutive eyes with iris melanoma at a single tertiary referral centre for ocular oncology.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of eyes with iris melanoma, both with (n = 69 eyes) and without (n = 231 eyes) ciliary body extension, was undertaken for metastasis-free survival at 5, 10, and 20 years based on type of treatment, including globe-sparing surgical resection (n = 169 eyes), plaque radiotherapy (n = 74 eyes), or enucleation (n = 57 eyes).

RESULTS

For the total population, 5-, 10-, and 20-year metastasis-free survival rates were 95%, 93%, and 87%, respectively, and there was no difference in metastatic rates for tumours with versus without ciliary body extension (p = 0.95). Noninferiority was demonstrated for surgical resection and plaque radiotherapy, with metastasis-free survival rates of 98%, 97%, and 94% for surgical resection and 94%, 94%, and 89% for plaque radiotherapy (p = 0.002). The rates for globe salvage were 94%, 92%, and 90% for surgical resection and 94%, 86%, and 86% for plaque radiotherapy (p = 0.003). However, metastasis-free survival was worse in patients who underwent enucleation (86%, 67%, and NA; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Metastasis-free survival and globe salvage following plaque radiotherapy and surgical resection are not inferior to either, but eyes undergoing enucleation demonstrated a lower metastasis-free survival, likely because enucleation is performed for larger, more extensive melanomas, often with secondary glaucoma. In this analysis, iris melanoma with ciliary body involvement did not increase the risk of metastasis.

Iris melanoma: Prognostication for metastasis

Uveal melanoma prognostication studies have mainly included posterior uveal melanomas located in the ciliary body and choroid, often excluding iris melanoma. In this study, we report prognostic status and survival outcomes in a series of 35 patients with biopsy-proven iris melanoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed in 10 (29%) cases and 2 (5%) underwent multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. In total, 9 cases demonstrated disomy 3, 2 cases with monosomy 3 (fluorescence in situ hybridization), and 1 had a technical failure. On gene expression profile testing, 20 of the 23 cases (90%) were gene expression profile class 1A, and the remaining 3 (10%) were class 1B. No patient had a Class 2 status. The median follow-up period was 49 months (mean 59, range 2-156 months). No metastasis was reported during follow-up, and metastasis-free survival was 100%. A review of the published literature revealed 47 cases with high-risk status on molecular prediction, of which only 6 (13%) developed metastasis. Ciliary body involvement was reported in 5 cases and was unknown in 2 cases. We conclude that molecular prognostication of iris melanoma demonstrates low-risk prognostic status in the majority of cases irrespective of the technique used. Even those with high-risk status do not develop metastasis unless the tumor involves the ciliary body.

Iris melanoma: factors predictive of post-management secondary glaucoma in 271 cases at a Single Ocular Oncology Centre

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To identify factors predictive of post-management secondary glaucoma in eyes with iris melanoma.

METHODS

Patients with iris melanoma who were conservatively managed on the Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital from 1970 to 2016 were included. Charts were retrospectively reviewed, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Main outcome measures were factors predictive of post-management glaucoma, defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) > 22 mmHg following melanoma treatment.

RESULTS

Of 271 patients with iris melanoma, melanoma-related glaucoma was identified in 40 (15%) at presentation and post-management glaucoma developed in 75 (28%) at a mean of 103.7 months (range:1.0-120.0). Comparison (post-management glaucoma vs. no glaucoma) revealed patients with post-management glaucoma presented with worse visual acuity (20/50-20/150) (17% vs. 5%, p = 0.001), increased mean tumour basal diameter (5.1 mm vs. 4.3 mm, p = 0.004), greater melanoma-related increased IOP on presentation (24.1 mmHg vs. 16.2 mmHg, p < 0.001), diffuse tumour shape (9% vs. 4%, p = 0.01), American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T4 category (7% vs. 2%, p = 0.03), and extraocular tumour extension (7% vs. 2%, p = 0.03). Risk factors for post-management glaucoma identified by multivariate analysis included melanoma-related increased IOP at presentation (OR:1.1, [1.08-1.22] per 1-mmHg increase, p < 0.001), increased mean tumour basal diameter (OR:1.17, [1.02-1.33] per 1-millimetre increments, p = 0.03), advanced AJCC clinical T subcategory (OR:1.23, [1.04-1.46] per 1-subcategory increments, p = 0.02) and plaque radiotherapy treatment (OR:2.32, [1.13-4.75], p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Features of iris melanoma that predicted post-management glaucoma included melanoma-related increased IOP on presentation, advanced AJCC clinical T subcategory, increased mean tumour basal diameter, and plaque radiotherapy treatment.

First clinical implementation of Yttrium-90 Disc Brachytherapy after FDA clearance

PURPOSE

Herein, we study if high-dose-rate (HDR) yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) brachytherapy could be utilized by medical physicists, radiation oncologists, and ophthalmic surgeons.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) beta-emitting brachytherapy sources received United States Food and Drug Administration clearance for episcleral treatment of ocular tumors and benign growths. Dose calibration traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology as well as treatment planning and target delineation methods were established. Single-use systems included a ⁹⁰Y-disc affixed within specialized, multifunction, handheld applicator. Low-dose-rate to high-dose-rate prescription conversions and depth-dose determinations were performed. Radiation safety was evaluated based on live exposure rates during assembly and surgeries. Clinical data for radiation safety, treatment tolerability, and local control was collected.

RESULTS

Practice parameters for the medical physicist, radiation oncologist, and ophthalmic surgeon were defined. Device sterilizations, calibrations, assemblies, surgical methods, and disposals were reproducible and effective. Treated tumors included iris melanoma, iridociliary melanoma, choroidal melanoma, and a locally invasive squamous carcinoma. Mean calculated ⁹⁰Y disc activity was 14.33 mCi (range 8.8-16.6), prescription dose 27.8 Gy (range 22-30), delivered to depth of 2.3 mm (range 1.6-2.6), at treatment durations of 420 s (7.0 min, range 219 s-773 s). Both insertion and removal were performed during one surgical session. After surgery, each disc-applicator- system was contained for decay in storage. Treatments were well-tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

HDR ⁹⁰Y episcleral brachytherapy devices were created, implementation methods developed, and treatments performed on 6 patients. Treatments were single-surgery, rapid, and well-tolerated with short-term follow up.

Iris melanocytic tumours in New Zealand/Aotearoa: presentation, management and outcome in a high UV exposure environment

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Iris melanoma, a rare intraocular malignancy, represents the smallest subgroup of uveal melanoma. This first, comprehensive study of iris melanocytic lesions in the high ultraviolet environment in New Zealand/ Aotearoa (NZ) examines diagnosis, management and outcomes.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Retrospective study of iris melanocytic tumours referred to tertiary referral centres in Auckland, NZ, over 20 years (1999-2018). Data analysed include demographics, tumour characteristics, histology, genetic analyses, treatment modalities, recurrence, metastasis, 5-year and overall survival.

RESULTS

Cohort (N = 51) was predominantly NZ European (98.0%) with no indigenous Māori, or Pasifika. Median age at presentation was 58 years. Tumours involved a median of two clock hours of iris. The posterior tumour margin extended to the anterior chamber angle in 22 patients (45.8%). Management included initial observation 54.9%, iridectomy/excision biopsy 29.4%, irido-cyclectomy 7.8%, plaque radiotherapy 7.8%, proton beam radiotherapy 7.8%, and ultimately enucleation 17.6%. Histology was performed in 19 cases (37%) with 16 confirmed melanomas (84%). Mean follow-up 4.2 years with median visual acuity of 6/7.5 two years post intervention. Melanoma-related metastasis and mortality occurred in two cases with five-year melanoma-related mortality of 2.0%.

CONCLUSION

In a climate with high ultraviolet exposure iris melanocytic tumours occurred almost exclusively in NZ Europeans, however, the majority of cases were category T1, possibly reflecting early diagnosis in the NZ health system. Nonetheless, >50% underwent surgery or radiotherapy, often utilising more than one modality. A high index of suspicion and early referral of iris melanocytic lesions should be considered in regions with high UV exposure.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Secondary Glaucoma in Eyes with Uveal Melanoma

PURPOSE

To estimate incidence of and analyze risk factors for developing secondary glaucoma in eyes with uveal melanoma before and after diagnosis.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, population-based cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Seven hundred eighty-one patients (median age, 64 years; range, 14-93) consecutively diagnosed with uveal melanoma from 1997 to 2012 in a national ocular oncology service, 708 (91%) of whom received ruthenium (50%) or iodine (50%) brachytherapy.

METHODS

Patient, tumor, treatment, and follow-up data were collected prospectively. Frequency and associations of melanoma-related glaucoma at tumor diagnosis were assessed. Incidence of developing secondary glaucoma after diagnosis was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Independent risk factors were modeled using Cox regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Melanoma-related glaucoma and related risk factors.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients (5.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2-7.6) had tumor-related secondary glaucoma at diagnosis, 34 (76%) from a narrow-to-closed angle (25 had direct angle invasion) and 10 (22%) from anterior neovascularization. Synchronous metastases were common in patients with initial secondary glaucoma (11% vs. 1.2% with incident glaucoma, P = 0.005). Patients with secondary glaucoma were often male (58% vs. 48% without glaucoma; P = 0.010) and had larger tumors (median thickness, 9.1 vs. 4.0 mm; P < 0.001) involving the ciliary body (43% vs. 21%; P < 0.001) with retinal detachment (53% vs. 30%; P < 0.001). One hundred and sixty-eight patients 165 of which were treated with brachytherapy developed incident tumor- or treatment-related secondary glaucoma a median of 1.7 years (range, 0.1-13.6) after tumor diagnosis. Cumulative proportion of developing secondary glaucoma was 23% (95% CI, 20-27) at 5 years. The most common mechanism was neovascularization in 119 patients (71%; 95% CI, 63-78). By multivariable regression, initial retinal detachment 3 to 4 quadrants (hazard ratio [HR], 2.18; P < 0.001), initial intraocular pressure 17 mmHg or higher (HR, 1.64; P = 0.01), and tumor thickness predicted incident secondary glaucoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary glaucoma at initial uveal melanoma diagnosis predicts high risk of synchronous metastases. Although anterior neovascularization is the most common mechanism for secondary glaucoma after diagnosis, other mechanisms such as angle narrowing and anterior chamber hemorrhage are not infrequent. Initial retinal detachment and intraocular pressure with tumor thickness could inform interim assessments of intraocular pressure and neovascularization.

Evaluation of the characteristics of primary iridociliary cysts at a Canadian tertiary care centre using ultrasound biomicroscopy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ultrasound biomicroscopic characteristics of primary iridociliary cysts presenting to a Canadian tertiary care centre.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 189 patients (212 eyes) referred to the Sinai Health System (Toronto) for suspected iris abnormalities.

METHODS

Clinical records of patients referred between March 2016 and October 2019 were reviewed. All patients were evaluated and received a diagnosis of an iridociliary cyst using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Data were collected for age, sex, involvement (iris vs ciliary body), laterality, size, and location on initial examination and subsequent follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 189 patients (212 eyes) with iridociliary cysts, more were female (65.1%) versus male (34.9%). The highest incidence occurred in females aged 21-30 years (13.2%). The iris pigment epithelium was involved in 84.4%, and only the ciliary body was involved in 3.8%. Both the iris pigment epithelium and the ciliary body were involved in 10.8%. The size of the cysts ranged between 0.5 and 4.41 mm in diameter. Cysts greater than 1 mm in diameter occurred in 78.7%, and 86.8% of cysts occurred unilaterally. Twelve percent were multicystic, and 8.5% were multiloculated, with 1% exhibiting both features. Twenty-three eyes (12.2%) were reviewed at 1 year of follow-up with UBM. Stable iridociliary cysts with no appreciable change in size were seen in 73.9% (n = 17). Iridociliary cyst growth was noted at 4 months in 1 patient.

CONCLUSION

Information regarding iridociliary cysts is not easily available in the literature. UBM is a helpful clinical tool in the evaluation of iris abnormalities. Iridociliary cysts tend to be stable and compatible with a low rate of complications.

Topography and clinical features of iris melanoma

Background

To characterise the topographical and clinical features of primary iris melanoma and to visualise the patterns of tumour extent in the iris.

Methods

Clinical characteristics of iris melanomas were analysed, and data on their size, shape, and location were converted into a database of two-dimensional iris charts by means of computer-drawing software. The geometric centre of each tumour was entered into corresponding sectors of the chart. The extent of the melanomas was computationally visualised by merging the iris drawings and displaying the number of overlapping tumours on colour-coded iris maps.

Results

Twenty-nine patients (18 females and 11 males) with a mean age of 52 years met the inclusion criteria. The mean largest tumour diameter was 6.1 mm (range, 1.8–11.0 mm). Five tumours (17%) involved the pupillary margin, 10 (34%) involved the iris root, and 10 (34%) involved both sites. The hemispheric location of the tumour centroid was superior in 3 eyes (11%) and inferior in 25 (89%) (p < 0.0001), and the distribution between the temporal and nasal hemispheres was 17 (61%) and 11 (39%), respectively (p = 0.26). In females, the iris melanomas were located more temporally (p  =  0.02) and had more often originated from a pre-existing naevus (p = 0.03), than in males. There was also shift towards more temporally located melanomas in younger patients.

Conclusions

The lower temporal iris quadrant is the preferential area of melanoma occurrence and growth. Iris melanoma tends to be more temporally located in females, who compared with males also have a higher proportion of melanomas arising from a pre-existing naevus.

Clinical outcomes of Modified Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study IRIS plaques for treatment of iris, iridociliary, and ciliary body melanoma

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To report clinical outcomes of modified Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study IRIS (COMS IRIS) plaques for treatment of iris, iridociliary, and ciliary body melanoma.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Retrospective, single-centre cohort study of iris melanoma treated with COMS IRIS plaque radiotherapy from July 26, 2010 to October 15, 2018. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, tumour features, treatment parameters, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 22 cases, diagnosed at mean age of 59 years (median 65, range 21-85 years) with female sex in 14 (64%). Presenting tumour features included Snellen visual acuity (VA) ≥ 20/40 in 18 (82%) cases, mean largest tumour basal diameter 4.7 mm (median 3.9, range 2.3-13.8 mm) and thickness 1.7 mm (median 1.6 mm, range 0.8-3.9 mm), iris stromal seeding in 3 (14%) cases, angle seeding in 16 (73%), and ciliary body involvement in 13 (59%). After mean follow-up of 51 months (median 44, range 4-113 months), Snellen VA was ≥20/40 in 14 (64%) cases, with local tumour recurrence in 2 (9%), and enucleation in 2 (9%). The 3-year Kaplan-Meier estimated risk of local tumour recurrence was 7%. The most common radiation side effects were cataract in 17 (77%) patients and dry eye in 5 (23%). Systemic metastasis occurred in no cases, and 1 (5%) non-melanoma-related death due to natural causes was observed at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

COMS IRIS plaques are effective for treatment of iris, iridociliary, and ciliary body melanoma with modest VA outcomes and low frequency of local tumour recurrence, enucleation, radiation side effects, and systemic metastasis.

Plaque brachytherapy in iris and iridociliary melanoma: a systematic review of efficacy and complications

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and vision-threatening complication rate of plaque brachytherapy with iodine-125 (¹²⁵I), palladium-103 (¹⁰³Pd), and ruthenium-106 (¹⁰⁶Ru) for treatment of iris and iridociliary melanoma.

Material and methods

A literature review was done based on results yielded from searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane database, using following key words: iris melanoma, iridociliary melanoma, brachytherapy, iodine-125 brachytherapy, palladium-103 brachytherapy, and ruthenium-106 brachytherapy. Initially, relationships between mean radiation dose to apex and local recurrence and complication rate were analyzed, and then, a comparison was performed between ¹²⁵I, ¹⁰³Pd, and ¹⁰⁶Ru studies.

Results

Twelve retrospective and prospective studies were selected, with 491 patients treated primarily with plaque brachytherapy. The range of radiation dose to tumor apex were from 84 to 151.5 Gy. Ranges of mean and median of follow-up time were from 27 to 96 months. Local recurrence rate following brachytherapy ranged from 0 to 8%. A decrease in the average study dose was not associated with an increased local recurrence or metastasis rate (p = 0.373 and 0.195, respectively); however, an increase in radiation dose was associated with higher radiation-related cataract and glaucoma (p < 0.05). The rate of post-treatment glaucoma was higher in studies with ¹²⁵I plaque brachytherapy (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

For brachytherapy of iris and iridociliary melanoma, in a range of 84 to 150 Gy, an increase in radiation dose may increase the risk of complications, while the tumor control rate does not change.

Genetics of Ocular Melanoma: Insights into Genetics, Inheritance and Testing

Ocular melanoma consists of posterior uveal melanoma, iris melanoma and conjunctival melanoma. These malignancies derive from melanocytes in the uveal tract or conjunctiva. The genetic profiles of these different entities differ from each other. In uveal melanoma, GNAQ and GNA11 gene mutations are frequently found and prognosis is based on mutation status of BAP1, SF3B1 and EIF1AX genes. Iris melanoma, also originating from the uvea, has similarities to the genetic makeups of both posterior uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma since mutations in GNAQ and GNA11 are less common and genes involved in conjunctival melanoma such as BRAF have been described. The genetic spectrum of conjunctival melanoma, however, includes frequent mutations in the BRAF, NRAS and TERT promoter genes, which are found in cutaneous melanoma as well. The BRAF status of the tumor is not correlated to prognosis, whereas the TERT promoter gene mutations are. Clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics and copy number alterations are associated with survival in ocular melanoma. Tissue material is needed to classify ocular melanoma in the different subgroups, which creates a need for the use of noninvasive techniques to prognosticate patients who underwent eye preserving treatment.

Iris Melanoma: Management and Prognosis

Iris melanomas represent 2–5% of uveal melanomas. Iris melanomas vary in their size, shape, degree of pigmentation and clinical behavior. The main local clinical complications of iris melanomas are tumor vascularization, ectropion uvea, pupillary distortion, pigment dispersion, sector cataract, chronic uveitis, hyphema and glaucoma with irreversible optic nerve damage. The most effective treatment for iris nevus and melanoma remains debatable; treatment modalities have been proposed depending on the local status as well as the age and general condition of the patient. A melanocytic iris nevus is usually observed until documented progression is identified. In this case, radiotherapy or surgical resection is generally performed. Cataract, glaucoma and limbal stem cell deficiency are usually secondary to radiotherapy, while incomplete tumor excisions, which could lead to recurrence, hemorrhage, vitreous loss, dislocated lens, iridocyclitis, macular edema, retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataract, are related to surgical resection. In some cases, a combination of radiotherapy and surgery is used. Conservative treatment is an efficient alternative to enucleation and allows good local tumor control.

Conjunctival melanoma treatment outcomes in 288 patients: a multicentre international data-sharing study

Background

To relate conjunctival melanoma characteristics to local control.

Methods

Retrospective, registry-based interventional study with data gathered from 10 ophthalmic oncology centres from 9 countries on 4 continents. Conjunctival melanoma patients diagnosed between January 2001 and December 2013 were enrolled in the study. Primary treatments included local excision, excision with cryotherapy and exenteration. Adjuvant treatments included topical chemotherapy, brachytherapy, proton and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Cumulative 5-year and 10-year Kaplan-Meier local recurrence rates were related to clinical and pathological T-categories of the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system.

Results

288 patients had a mean initial age of 59.7±16.8 years. Clinical T-categories (cT) were cT1 (n=218,75.7%), cT2 (n=34, 11.8%), cT3 (n=15, 5.2%), cTx (n=21,7.3%) with no cT4. Primary treatment included local excision (n=161/288, 55.9%) followed by excision biopsy with cryotherapy (n=108/288, 37.5%) and exenteration (n=5/288, 1.7%). Adjuvant therapies included topical mitomycin (n=107/288, 37.1%), plaque-brachytherapy (n=55/288, 19.1%), proton-beam (n=36/288, 13.5%), topical interferon (n=20/288, 6.9%) and EBRT (n=15/288, 5.2%). Secondary exenteration was performed (n=11/283, 3.9%). Local recurrence was noted in 19.1% (median=3.6 years). Cumulative local recurrence was 5.4% (3.2–8.9%), 19.3% (14.4–25.5%) and 36.9% (26.5–49.9%) at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. cT3 and cT2 tumors were twice as likely to recur than cT1 tumours, but only cT3 had statistically significantly greater risk of local recurrence than T1 (p=0.013). Factors such as tumour ulceration, plica or caruncle involvement and tumour thickness were not significantly associated with an increased risk of local recurrence.

Conclusion

This multicentre international study showed that eighth edition of AJCC tumour staging was related to the risk of local recurrence of conjunctival melanoma after treatment. The 10-year cumulative local recurrence remains high despite current management.

Genetic Biomarkers in Melanoma of the Ocular Region: What the Medical Oncologist Should Know

Melanoma of the ocular region (ocular melanoma) comprises about 5% of all patients with melanoma and covers posterior uveal melanoma, iris melanoma, and conjunctival melanoma. The risk of metastasis is much higher in patients with ocular melanoma compared to a primary melanoma of the skin. The subtypes of ocular melanoma have distinct genetic features, which should be taken into consideration when making clinical decisions. Most relevant for current practice is the absence of BRAF mutations in posterior uveal melanoma, although present in some iris melanomas and conjunctival melanomas. In this review, we discuss the genetic biomarkers of the subtypes of ocular melanoma and their impacts on the clinical care of these patients.

Palladium-103 plaque therapy for multifocal iris melanoma: Radiation of the entire anterior segment of the eye

PURPOSE

To investigate the safety and tolerability of total anterior segment palladium-103 (¹⁰³Pd) eye plaque brachytherapy for multifocal iris melanoma.

METHODS

Interventional case series of 11 patients with multifocal iris melanomas. Anterior segment ultrasound revealed tumor size, location, and intraocular margins. Epicorneal amniotic membrane grafts protected the cornea and decreased pain during total anterior segment 103-Pd ophthalmic plaque brachytherapy.

RESULTS

Eleven diffuse iris melanomas were American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition-classified as T1 (n = 5, 45.5%) and T2 (n = 6, 54.5%). Plaque radiation was completed to a minimum mean tumor dose of 85 Gy (mean dose rate, 58.1 cGy/h). Ultrasonographic tumor thickness regression was 41% (follow up mean 58.7, median 50, range: 8-139 months). Despite 100% local control and 100% eye retention, one patient (9.1%) developed metastatic disease. Four eyes required cataract surgery. There was no corneal stem-cell deficiency, corneal opacity, radiation maculopathy, or optic neuropathy. While visual acuity prior to treatment was 20/40 or better in 10 (91%), 9 were 20/40 or better (81.9%) at last follow-up. Four (36%) had glaucoma prior to treatment and three eyes developed glaucoma after treatment for a total of 63%.

CONCLUSION

Total anterior segment (¹⁰³Pd) plaque brachytherapy resulted in local control, good visual acuity, eye and life preservation in the treatment of multifocal iris melanoma.

Uveal Melanoma Biopsy: A Review

Intraocular tumor diagnosis is based on clinical findings supported by additional imaging tools, such as ultrasound, optical coherence tomography and angiographic techniques, usually without the need for invasive procedures or tissue sampling. Despite improvements in the local treatment of uveal melanoma (UM), the prevention and treatment of the metastatic disease remain unsolved, and nearly 50% of patients develop liver metastasis. The current model suggests that tumor cells have already spread by the time of diagnosis, remaining dormant until there are favorable conditions. Tumor sampling procedures at the time of primary tumor diagnosis/treatment are therefore now commonly performed, usually not to confirm the diagnosis of UM, but to obtain a tissue sample for prognostication, to assess patient's specific metastatic risk. Moreover, several studies are ongoing to identify genes specific to UM tumorigenesis, leading to several potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Genetic information can also influence the surveillance timing and metastatic screening type of patients affected by UM. In spite of the widespread use of biopsies in general surgical practice, in ophthalmic oncology the indications and contraindications for tumor biopsy continue to be under debate. The purpose of this review paper is to critically evaluate the role of uveal melanoma biopsy in ophthalmic oncology.

[New molecular pathological strategies for malignant iris tumors]

BACKGROUND

Molecular pathological research offers new chances for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of malignant iris tumors. Besides immunohistological and polymerase chain reaction analyses further techniques, such as multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, microsatellite analyses and next-generation sequencing are able to detect various mutations in the tumor genome.

OBJECTIVE

An up to date review of new molecular pathological strategies for malignant iris tumors was carried out.

METHODS

This article provides a review of the recent literature based on a PubMed search and clinical experience with iris tumors.

RESULTS

The diagnostic characteristics and targeted treatment options are presented, exemplified by iris melanoma and iris carcinoma metastases. In iris melanomas, mutations in the GNA11 and GNAQ genes (in approximately 85% of the cases) seem to be important. Furthermore, the monosomy-3 status should be investigated in these tumors. In iris lymphomas, molecular pathological analyses are essential for an exact diagnosis. Detection of mutations in MYD88, BRAF, KLF2, ID3, TCF3, STAT3, RHo, TET2, IDH2, CXCR4, CD79B and DNMT3A are helpful. In particular, the detection of the CD20 antigen is of therapeutic relevance because this lymphoma subgroup responds well to rituximab, a CD20 antibody treatment. In iris carcinoma metastases, investigations for mutations are helpful because then a targeted treatment seems to be possible.

CONCLUSION

Molecular pathological analyses will become essential in the future management of iris tumors because they play a key role towards a personalized treatment approach.

Iris melanoma relapsing sixteen years after proton-beam therapy: The importance of lifelong follow-up

Purpose

To report a case of locally recurrent spindle-cell iris amelanotic melanoma 16 years after proton-beam therapy.

Observations

In 2001, a 45-year-old man presented with an amelanotic iris melanoma, extending from the 5 to 10 o'clock positions on his left eye. High-frequency ultrasonography showed extension of melanoma into the ciliary body. He was initially managed with proton-beam therapy (60 Gy delivered in four fractions over four consecutive days) and underwent ocular and systemic examination at regular intervals over the following years. Local tumor control was achieved, and the patient did not develop metastasis during sixteen consecutive years. In 2017, 16 years after he received proton-beam therapy, the patient developed a focal amelanotic lesion strongly suggestive of a local recurrence of iris melanoma, although it extended from the 1 to 6 o'clock positions. He also presented with treatment-resistant glaucoma with an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 37 mmHg, despite maximal topical IOP-lowering therapy. Since a second irradiation of the anterior segment was contraindicated, the eye was enucleated. Pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of iris melanoma and demonstrated iridocorneal angle invasion extending from the initial site to the recurrent tumor location.

Conclusions and importance

Regular ophthalmological surveillance for life with gonioscopy and high-frequency ultrasonography is recommended in patients with iris melanoma, due to the possibility of delayed local recurrence more than a decade after the initial treatment.

Novel Eye Plaque Designs for Brachytherapy of Iris and Ciliary Body Melanoma and the First Clinical Application

Background

While traditional eye plaque brachytherapy can be used for the treatment of iris melanoma, it faces challenges of poor patient tolerability due to cornea-plaque touch caused by radius of curvature mismatch and potential dosimetric inaccuracy from incomplete coverage. We present novel plaque designs and the first clinical application of the plaques for iris melanoma.

Methods

Two dome-shaped plaques (EP2132 and EP1930) were designed to vault above the cornea to treat tumors of the iris and ciliary body. Image-based treatment planning of the first 2 clinical cases using the EP2132 plaque covered the tumor base plus a 2 mm margin and the involved ciliary body with at least 75 Gy to the tumor apex.

Results

The tumors decreased in size following treatment. The patients tolerated the treatment well. There was no adverse event associated with the traditional iris plaques, such as decreased vision, pain, corneal edema, glaucoma, or cataract.

Conclusion

The novel dome-shaped plaques for the treatment of iris melanoma provide effective dose distribution, improved surgical maneuverability, and increased tolerability for the patient. This plaque model can be used to treat iris melanoma of various sizes, configurations, and locations, including the ciliary body. The need for a customized plaque platform for each patient is minimized.

Iris melanoma presenting as childhood glaucoma

Purpose

To describe the natural history and management of a rare case of iris melanoma in a pediatric patient.

Observations

A Caucasian female presented with left pupillary abnormalities at age 7, progressive iris changes at age 9, and markedly elevated intraocular pressure with advanced optic nerve cupping at 11 years of age. She was found to have a pigmented lesion overlying her iris and invading her angle. Trans-corneal fine needle aspirate biopsy demonstrated malignant melanoma of the iris. The patient subsequently underwent Iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy for the tumor.

Conclusions

and Importance: Early identification and treatment of iris melanoma may be associated with decreased risk of local progression and metastatic disease. Treatment of glaucoma in conjunction with uveal melanoma is complicated by tumor specific considerations, including treatment of the tumor and prevention of metastasis.

Iris Melanoma Outcomes Based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer Classification (Eighth Edition) in 432 Patients

PURPOSE

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification was updated to the eighth edition in January 2017, providing staging for iris melanoma. This study evaluated outcomes of iris melanoma per the AJCC classification, eighth edition.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred thirty-two patients with iris melanoma.

METHODS

Management including tumor resection, plaque radiotherapy, or enucleation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Local tumor recurrence, melanoma-related systemic metastasis, and melanoma-related death.

RESULTS

Of 432 patients with iris melanoma, AJCC classification was category T1 (n = 324 [75%]), T2 (n = 83 [19%]), T3 (n = 2 [<1%]), and T4 (n = 23 [5%]). There was no difference in age, race, gender, eye, or iris color among T categories. Overall, Kaplan-Meier analysis of outcomes (at 5 and 10 years) revealed visual acuity reduction by 3 lines or more (42% and 54%, respectively), secondary glaucoma (29% and 33%, respectively), local recurrence (8% and 17%, respectively), secondary enucleation (12% and 19%, respectively), lymph node metastasis (1% and 1%, respectively), melanoma-related systemic metastasis (5% and 10%, respectively), and melanoma-related death (3% and 4%, respectively). Compared with T1 category, the hazard ratio (HR) for local recurrence in nonenucleated eyes was 1.31 for T2, not evaluable (NE) for T3 (because of small cohort), and 6.61 for T4; the HR for metastasis was 3.41 for T2, NE for T3 (because of small cohort), and 25.6 for T4; the HR for death was 7.51 for T2, NE for T3 (because of small cohort), and 26.5 for T4; and the odds ratio for enucleation was 1.23 for T2, 3.63 for T3, and 4.72 for T4. Features predictive of melanoma-related metastasis (multivariate analysis) included secondary glaucoma (P < 0.001; HR, 4.51), T2 category (vs. T1; P = 0.01; HR, 4.09), and T4 category (vs. T1; P < 0.001; HR, 30.8). Features predictive of melanoma-related death (multivariate analysis) included older age (P = 0.008; HR, 2.16 per 10-year increase), T2 category (vs. T1; P = 0.005; HR, 8.07), and T4 category (vs. T1; P < 0.001; HR, 20.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The AJCC eighth edition classification provides prognostic stratification of iris melanoma. By multivariate analysis, the ratio for melanoma-related metastasis was 4 times greater in category T2 and 31 times greater in T4 compared with T1. The ratio for melanoma-related death was 8 times greater in category T2 and 20 times greater in T4 compared with T1. The cohort size for T3 was too small to provide useful information.

The Results of Stricter Inclusion Criteria in an Immunomagnetic Detection Study of Micrometastatic Cells in Bone Marrow of Uveal Melanoma Patients - Relevance for Dormancy

Approximately 50% of uveal melanoma patients develop metastases. We want to evaluate the effect of stricter criteria on our data from our previous study correlating survival and bone marrow (BM) micrometastasis results using our immunomagnetic separation (IMS) method. Mononuclear cell fractions (MNC) isolated from BM were examined for tumour cells and the patients were classified as BM positive (BM+) or BM negative (BM-). The study originally included 328 consecutive patients with uveal melanoma from 1997 to 2006. The cohort was limited to 217 patients when we introduced cyto- or histopathological verification of melanoma cells in the patient as a main new criterion for inclusion. Tumour cells were found in BM-samples in 38.7% (95% CI, 32-45) at enrolment. Until the latest work-up 43.8% (95% CI, 38-50) of patients had developed melanoma metastases. After a minimum follow-up time of 8.5 years, 60.4% (95% CI, 54-66) of patients had died. The causes were: melanoma metastases 69.5%, another type of cancer 5.4% and non-cancerous causes 19.5%. Overall median survival was shorter for the BM- patients (11.3 years) (95% CI, 10-12) compared to the BM+ (16.5 years) (95% CI, 12-14), p = 0.04, log rank test. All-cause mortality and specific melanoma mortality estimated after 12 year follow-up showed a highly significant difference comparing BM- and BM+, p = 0.010 and p = 0,017, respectively. IMS yields a high fraction of BM+ samples due to micrometastasis at diagnosis and these cells appear to have a positive prognostic impact strengthening our previous report. The late recurrences support the concept of tumour dormancy.

Orbital recurrence of iris melanoma 21 years after enucleation

We present the case of a 56-year-old man who developed a neoplasm of epithelioid histology in his anophthalmic left orbit 21 years after he underwent enucleation for a spindle cell iris melanoma. The recurrent tumour was managed by orbital exenteration. Neither further recurrence nor metastasis was diagnosed over a 5-year follow-up period. This case, along with five other similar cases in the literature,^1-3 emphasises the importance of long-term follow-up after treatment of iris melanoma.

Selective Intra-Arterial Embolization for Advanced Extrascleral Uveal Melanoma

Purpose

To report a treatment approach for advanced extrascleral uveal melanoma.

Methods

We performed clinical examination including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, angiography, and histopathologic analysis.

Case

A 49-year-old healthy woman presented with a 7-year history of an enlarging pigmented mass in her right orbit. Malignant melanoma was diagnosed after biopsy with immunohistochemical stains. Treatment included selective intra-arterial embolization.

Results

A significant reduction in tumor burden was seen 3 months after intra-arterial embolization. No complications were associated with the treatment.

Conclusion

Selective intra-arterial embolization may allow adequate palliative therapy in select cases of advanced extrascleral uveal melanoma.

Use of Ruthenium-106 Brachytherapy for Iris Melanoma: The Scottish Experience

PURPOSE

To analyse long-term outcomes of ruthenium-106 (¹⁰⁶Ru) plaque brachytherapy for the treatment of iris melanoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 19 consecutive patients with pure iris melanoma treated with ¹⁰⁶Ru plaque brachytherapy between 1998 and 2016 at the Scottish Ophthalmic Oncology Service, Glasgow. The iris melanoma was treated with a ruthenium plaque placed on the corneal surface to deliver a surface dose of 555 Gy. We analysed vision preservation, local tumour control, radiation-related complications, eye retention rates, symptomatic metastasis and melanoma-related mortality.

RESULTS

The mean largest basal diameter of the lesions was 3.50±1.42 mm (range 1.6-6.5 mm), and the mean maximum height was 1.47±0.65 mm (range 0.7-2.8 mm). The tumour control and eye retention were 100% at a mean follow-up of 62 months (range 6-195 months). A 62% reduction in tumour height was observed on ultrasonography. Complications included cataract (68%), dry eye (47%), uveitis (37%) and scleral thinning (5%). At the final follow-up visit, the mean loss of Snellen visual acuity was 1.11±2.90 lines and vision of 6/9 or better was maintained in 53% of patients. None of the patients had evidence of symptomatic metastasis (non-imaged) or melanoma-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

¹⁰⁶Ru plaque treatment for iris melanoma was highly effective a high tumour control, no tumour recurrences and a relatively a low complication rate.

Regression Patterns of Iris Melanoma after Palladium-103 (103Pd) Plaque Brachytherapy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the patterns of regression of iris melanoma after treatment with palladium-103 (¹⁰³Pd) plaque brachytherapy.

DESIGN

Retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty patients with primary malignant melanoma of the iris.

METHODS

Palladium-103 plaque brachytherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in tumor size, pigmentation, and vascularity; incidence of iris neovascularization; and radiation-related complications.

RESULTS

The mean age in the case series was 61.2±14.9 years. The mean tumor thickness was 1.4±0.6 mm. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer, eighth edition, staging criteria for iris melanoma, 21 tumors (42%) were T1a, 5 tumors (10%) were T1b, and 24 tumors (48%) were T2a. The tumor was melanotic in 37 cases (74%) and amelanotic in 13 cases (26%); of these, 13 tumors (26%) showed variable pigmentation. After brachytherapy, mean tumor thickness decreased to 0.9±0.2 mm. Pigmentation increased in 32 tumors (64%), decreased in 11 tumors (22%), and was unchanged in 6 tumors (12%). For intrinsic vascularity (n = 19), 12 tumors (63%) showed decrease and 7 tumors (37%) showed complete resolution. Appearance of ectropion uveae showed diminution in 15 tumors (43%); newly present corectopia was observed in 6 patients (12%). On high-frequency ultrasound imaging, of the 42 tumors (84%) with low to moderate internal reflectivity, 30 tumors (60%) showed an increase in internal reflectivity on regression. Iris stromal atrophy was noted in 26 patients (52%), progression or new-onset cataract was noted in 22 patients (44%), neovascular glaucoma was noted in 1 patient (2%), and there were no cases of corneal opacity. There was no clinical evidence (0%) of radiation-induced retinopathy, maculopathy, or optic neuropathy. Mean follow-up in this series was 5.2 years (range, 0.5-17 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common findings related to iris melanoma regression after ¹⁰³Pd plaque brachytherapy included decreased intrinsic tumor vascularity, increased tumor pigmentation, and decreased tumor thickness with synchronous increase in internal ultrasonographic reflectivity. No irreversible sight-limiting complications were noted.

Vascularized solid iris lesion in a 3 year old child: 5 years of follow up

Background

Iris tumors are rare in young patients. When an iris lesion occurs in a pediatric patient, it can be difficult to classify because of the wide spectrum of iris proliferations.

Case presentation

We report on an unusual case of a vascularized iris lesion in a three year old Caucasian patient, with no symptoms and no visual impairment. We evaluated in a 50-month follow up with non-invasive diagnostic tools in order to avoid eye biopsy.

Conclusion

We focused attention on the differential diagnoses and underlined the role of non-invasive diagnostic tools in a child to avoid or postpone the eye biopsy. We performed a review of the literature to identify the best medical practice in pediatric iris lesions with atypical characteristics.

Uveal Melanoma: Current Trends in Diagnosis and Management

Uveal melanoma, which is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, arises from melanocytes within the iris, ciliary body and choroid. The diagnosis is based principally on clinical examination of the tumor with biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy and confirmed by diagnostic techniques such as ultrasonography, fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. The clinical diagnosis of posterior uveal melanomas can be made when the classical appearance of a pigmented dome-shaped mass is detected on dilated fundus exam. Uveal melanomas classically show low to medium reflectivity on A-scan ultrasonography and on B-scan ultrasonography the tumor appears as a hyperechoic, acoustically hollow intraocular mass. Management of a suspicious pigmented lesion is determined by its risk factors of transforming into a choroidal melanoma, such as documentation of growth, thickness greater than 2 mm, presence of subretinal fluid, symptoms and orange pigment, margin within 3 mm of the optic disc, and absence of halo and drusen. Advances in the diagnosis and local and systemic treatment of uveal melanoma have caused a shift from enucleation to eye-conserving treatment modalities including transpupillary thermotherapy and radiotherapy over the past few decades. Prognosis can be most accurately predicted by genetic profiling of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor before the treatment, and high-risk patients can now be identified for clinical trials that may lead to target-based therapies for metastatic disease and adjuvant therapy which aims to prevent metastatic disease.

Microincision, Aspiration Cutter-Assisted Multifocal Iris Biopsy for Melanoma

Purpose

To describe a minimally invasive method to create multifocal full-thickness surgical iridectomy biopsies.

Methods

Seven patients suspected to have diffuse iris melanoma underwent multifocal surgical iridectomy biopsy through a single 1.0-mm clear corneal incision. A 25-G inked trocar was used to create one visible corneal portal, through which the anterior chamber was filled with sodium hyaluronate 1%. Then, a 25-G aspiration cutter probe was introduced through the corneal incision such that the aspiration portal was occluded by the iris biopsy sites. Then aspiration (600 mm Hg) cutting (300 cuts per minute) was used to create full- and partial-thickness surgical iridectomy biopsies at multiple locations. After each biopsy the probe was removed, and its contents aspirated into a separate 3-mL syringe (marked by clock hour location). The sodium hyaluronate 1% was removed and wound checked for leakage.

Results

Diagnostic specimens were obtained in all cases. Five were found to be diffuse iris melanomas and 2 were indeterminate iris melanocytic proliferations. No patients developed a secondary increase in intraocular pressure, hyphema, infection, cataract, or vision loss. No cases of intraocular tumor dissemination were observed. No patient complained of glare or monocular diplopia. Three of 7 corneal wounds were self-sealing.

Conclusions

Multifocal surgical iridectomy biopsy can be minimally invasive and effective allowing for partial- and full-thickness iris biopsy. Use of a 25-G aspiration cutting probe allowed for small incision surgery, rapid rehabilitation, and no significant complications.

Trabeculectomy in patients with uveal melanoma after proton beam therapy

BACKGROUND

Retrospective evaluation of intraocular pressure, use of topical and systemic anti-glaucoma medication, secondary complications, local tumor control and survival in patients treated with trabeculectomy for the regulation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) after proton beam therapy for uveal melanoma.

METHODS

In this retrospective clinical case series we evaluated the follow-up of 15 patients receiving a trabeculectomy as surgical treatment if the IOP could not be lowered adequately by medications or laser surgery. All patients had received proton beam therapy for uveal melanoma at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin between 1998 and 2010.

RESULTS

The median IOP decreased significantly from 35 mmHg ± 8.8 before TE to 16 mmHg ± 8.2 (=52.3 %) six months after TE (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-U Test, p<0.01). None of the patients needed any glaucoma medication six months after trabeculectomy. Two patients developed local recurrence during follow-up, which were independent of the trabeculectomy. One patient had to be enucleated due to intractable pain and suspected remaining tumor activity. One patient died due to metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Trabeculectomy is an option in intractable glaucoma in patients with uveal melanoma after proton beam therapy in single cases. Secondary interventions are common. Inoculation metastases are possible. Secure local tumor control must be a prerequisite for filtrating operations.

UNTREATED IRIS MELANOMA COMPLICATED BY HYPHEMA AND UNCONTROLLED GLAUCOMA RESPONSIVE TO IODINE-125 BRACHYTHERAPY

PURPOSE

To describe a case of iris melanoma for which a patient refused treatment for 15 years, and the complications that resulted.

METHODS

Single case report.

RESULTS

A 52-year-old white man was evaluated for a suspicious pigmented lesion of the left iris. He was followed closely with serial examinations and ultrasound biomicroscopy, and he refused therapy when the lesion showed growth 15 years after presentation. The patient subsequently developed recurrent hyphema, intraocular pressure up to 55 mmHg, and glaucomatous optic neuropathy. He eventually underwent iodine-125 brachytherapy resulting in tumor regression and improvement of intraocular pressure.

CONCLUSION

Untreated iris melanoma can develop complications such as recurrent hyphema and glaucoma with irreversible optic nerve damage. Treatment of slow-growing iris melanoma must be considered to prevent complications.

[Plaque radiotherapy for anterior uveal melanomas]

AIM

To determine the effectiveness of plaque radiation therapy for anterior uveal melanomas and to evaluate the risk and frequency of complications at different time intervals after the treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During 2010-2013 a total of 30 patients (10 male, 20 female) aged 11-73 (50 years on the average) with iris or iridociliary melanomas were treated with Ru-106 and Sr-90 ophthalmic plaques. In 8 patients the brachytherapy was preceded by local tumor excision. Morphological diagnosis was verified in 10 patients (8 iridectomies, 2 enucleations), of them 8 cases turned out to be spindle cell melanomas and the other 2--mixed cell melanomas. Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 54 months with the median of 13,5 months.

RESULTS

Tumor regression was achieved in all cases. Enucleation had to be performed in 2 patients due to cornea and sclera necrosis. In the early post-brachytherapy period (up to 1 month) the most frequent radiation-related complications were keratopathy and uveitis (8 and 6 patients correspondingly). In patients observed for up to 3 months (28 patients) these were keratopathy and cataract (8 and 5 patients correspondingly). In the long-term (over 6 months) cataract predominated (17 patients). At the end of the study all patients were alive. Metastatic disease was diagnosed in one patient 30 months after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present clinical study confirm the effectiveness of brachytherapy for iris and iridociliary melanomas, which implies that tumor is well locally controlled and radiation-related complications are moderate and curable. This method of local tumor destruction can be another alternative to enucleation in cases when local tumor excision cannot be performed.

Melanoma of the eye: revealing hidden secrets, one at a time

Melanoma of the eye can involve the uveal tract with iris, ciliary body, or choroid involvement or it can involve the conjunctiva, eyelid, or orbit. Uveal involvement with choroidal melanoma is the most common, found in light complexion Caucasians with an age-adjusted incidence of 4.3 per million persons. Early detection of uveal melanoma is critical. The ABCDEF guide helps to differentiate iris nevus from iris melanoma. The letters represent: A, age young (≤40 years); B, blood in anterior chamber; C, clock hour of mass inferiorly; D, diffuse configuration; E, ectropion; and F, feathery margins. The mnemonic of TFSOM-UHHD (To Find Small Ocular Melanoma-Using Helpful Hints Daily) helps to differentiate choroidal nevus from small melanoma and represents: T, thickness over 2 mm; F, fluid; S, symptoms; O, orange pigment; M, margin within 3 mm of the optic disc; UH, ultrasound hollow; H, halo absent; and D, drusen absent. Patients with 3 or more of these factors are likely to have melanoma. These key clinical features help to identify small melanoma at a time when therapy could be life-saving. Conjunctival melanoma usually arises from primary acquired melanosis, a flat pigmentation that can lead to melanoma. Wide excision using no touch strategy is important to tumor control. Ocular examination is advised annually for all persons for detection of refractive error, cataract, glaucoma, and other conditions, but also for the detection of asymptomatic malignancies like melanoma. One at a time, we have uncovered the secrets of ocular melanoma and we forge ahead with the goal to solve the riddle of this challenging disease.

Review of cystic and solid tumors of the iris

Iris tumors are broadly classified into cystic or solid lesions. The cystic lesions arise from iris pigment epithelium (IPE) or iris stroma. IPE cysts classically remain stable without need for intervention. Iris stromal cyst, especially those in newborns, usually requires therapy of aspiration, possibly with alcohol-induced sclerosis, or surgical resection. The solid tumors included melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions. The melanocytic iris tumors include freckle, nevus (including melanocytoma), Lisch nodule, and melanoma. Information from a tertiary referral center revealed that transformation of suspicious iris nevus to melanoma occurred in 4% by 10 years and 11% by 20 years. Risk factors for transformation of iris nevus to melanoma can be remembered using the ABCDEF guide as follows: A=age young (<40 years), B=blood (hyphema) in anterior chamber, C=clock hour of mass inferiorly, D=diffuse configuration, E=ectropion, F=feathery margins. The most powerful factors are diffuse growth pattern and hyphema. Tumor seeding into the anterior chamber angle and onto the iris stroma are also important. The nonmelanocytic iris tumors are relatively uncommon and included categories of choristomatous, vascular, fibrous, neural, myogenic, epithelial, xanthomatous, metastatic, lymphoid, leukemic, secondary, and non-neoplastic simulators. Overall, the most common diagnoses in a clinical series include nevus, IPE cyst, and melanoma. In summary, iris tumors comprise a wide spectrum including mostly iris nevus, IPE cyst, and iris melanoma. Risk factors estimating transformation of iris nevus to melanoma can be remembered by the ABCDEF guide.

Peripheral pigmented placoid corneal endotheliopathy

PURPOSE

To present a case series of peripheral pigmented placoid corneal endotheliopathy (PPPCE).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patient demographics, medical histories, and clinical characteristics was performed. Examinations included the following specialized imaging modalities: slit-lamp photography, gonioscopy, high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy, and anterior segment ocular coherence tomography. A PubMed and multiple corneal textbook literature search using the key words cornea, pigment, plaque, and endothelium revealed that no similar cases were reported.

RESULTS

Five eyes in 4 asymptomatic female patients were affected. Their mean age was 53 years (range, 43-61 years), and 3 were of African American descent and 1 was of Hispanic descent. The PPPCE lesions had a vertical dimension of 0.2 to 1.7 mm and a horizontal dimension of 0.5 to 6.1 mm. All the PPPCE lesions were well demarcated, brown, and peripherally located on the inferior corneal endothelium. Clock-hour meridians extended from 4 to 7 o'clock, with the largest PPPCE lesion spanning 4.3 clock hours. Gonioscopy revealed distinct well-circumscribed brown-pigmented plaques adherent to the corneal endothelium with no extension beyond the trabecular meshwork. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment ocular coherence tomography revealed the presence of hyperreflective lesions with no corneal stromal invasion, edema, or epitheliopathy. There were no synchronous anterior or posterior segment abnormalities. The PPPCE lesions have remained unchanged for a mean of 17 months (range, 8-34).

CONCLUSIONS

Four healthy patients were noted to have PPPCE lesions. Although their etiology remains unknown, PPPCE behavior, morphology, and inferior corneal location suggest an origin from iris stromal melanocytes or iris pigment epithelium.

Iris melanoma in children: Current approach to management

Iris melanoma usually affects middle aged, Caucasian patients with light colored eyes. Pediatric iris melanoma is rare. A 15-year-old Caucasian male presented with 1-month history of a brown nodule in the inferotemporal aspect of his left eye. Iris nevus was diagnosed, and the patient was observed. Nearly 2 years later the lesion had grown in basal diameter and thickness, and the tumor was excised by partial lamellar scleral flap and sector iridectomy. Histopathology confirmed spindle cell iris melanoma. Two years post-operatively, tumor recurrence with anterior chamber angle involvement and secondary glaucoma developed. He was then treated with custom designed Iodine¹²⁵ plaque radiotherapy. This case demonstrates the recurrence of iris melanoma despite proper initial surgical management, and outlines current management options for pediatric iris melanoma.

American Joint Committee on Cancer classification of posterior uveal melanoma (tumor size category) predicts prognosis in 7731 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical features and prognosis of posterior uveal (ciliary body and choroid) melanoma based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification (7th edition) of primary tumor (T).

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Seven thousand seven hundred thirty-one patients.

INTERVENTION

Ocular management including plaque radiotherapy, enucleation, local resection, or laser therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Melanoma-related metastasis and death.

RESULTS

Of 7731 patients with posterior uveal melanoma, the AJCC classification based on T was category T1 in 3557 (46%), T2 in 2082 (27%), T3 in 1599 (21%), and T4 in 493 (6%). Based on tumor categories T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively, features that showed significant increase with tumor category included patient age at presentation (57, 58, 58, and 61 years; P<0.001), tumor base (8, 12, 15, and 20 mm; P<0.001), tumor thickness (3.5, 5.2, 8.9, and 11.4 mm; P<0.001), mushroom configuration (8%, 20%, 38%, and 39%; P<0.001), associated subretinal fluid (64%, 80%, 82%, and 83%; P<0.001), intraocular hemorrhage (5%, 12%, 17%, and 18%; P<0.001), rupture of Bruch's membrane (9%, 24%, 40%, and 40%; P<0.001), and extraocular extension (1%, <1%, 4%, and 12%; P<0.001). After therapy, Kaplan-Meier estimates of metastasis at 5, 10, and 20 years were 8%, 15%, and 25% for category T1, 14%, 25%, and 40% for category T2, 31%, 49%, and 62% for category T3, and 51%, 63%, and 69% for category T4, respectively (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier estimates of death at 5, 10, and 20 years were 4%, 8%, and 11% for category T1, 8%, 13%, and 24% for category T2, 19%, 27%, and 36% for category T3, and 30%, 43%, and 51% for category T4, respectively (P<0.001). Compared with category T1, the hazard ratio for metastasis and death for T2 was 1.8 and 1.9, respectively, that for T3 was 4.5 and 4.7, respectively, and that for T4 was 8.2 and 8.8, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the AJCC classification, increasing tumor category was associated with older age, larger tumor, and greater incidence of subretinal fluid, hemorrhage, and extraocular extension. Compared with uveal melanoma classified as T1, the rate of metastasis and death was 2 times greater for T2, 4 times greater for T3, and 8 times greater for T4. The risk for metastasis and death increased 2-fold with each increasing melanoma category.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.