Photodynamic therapy for choroidal metastasis in 8 cases

Near-Infrared-II Nanoparticles for Vascular Normalization Combined with Immune Checkpoint Blockade via Photodynamic Immunotherapy Inhibit Uveal Melanoma Growth and Metastasis

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been widely employed in tumor treatment due to its effectiveness. However, the tumor hypoxic microenvironment which is caused by abnormal vasculature severely limits the efficacy of PDT. Furthermore, the abnormal vasculature has been implicated in the failure of immunotherapy. In this study, a novel nanoparticle denoted as Combo-NP is introduced, composed of a biodegradable NIR II fluorescent pseudo-conjugate polymer featuring disulfide bonds within its main chain, designated as TPA-BD, and the vascular inhibitor Lenvatinib. Combo-NP exhibits dual functionality by not only inducing cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to directly eliminate tumor cells but also eliciting immunogenic cell death (ICD). This ICD response, in turn, initiates a robust cascade of immune reactions, thereby augmenting the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In addition, Combo-NP addresses the issue of tumor hypoxia by normalizing the tumor vasculature. This normalization process enhances the efficacy of PDT while concurrently fostering increased CTLs infiltration within the tumor microenvironment. These synergistic effects synergize to potentiate the photodynamic-immunotherapeutic properties of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, when combined with anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), they showcase notable inhibitory effects on tumor metastasis. The findings in this study introduce an innovative nanomedicine strategy aimed at triggering systemic anti-tumor immune responses for the treatment of Uveal melanoma.

Choroidal metastasis: Radiation and bevacizumab at presentation

Purpose

To reveal early intervention outcomes for patients describing with choroidal metastasis.

Methods

A retrospective interventional case series on 27 eyes of 22 patients treated for choroidal metastasis with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) With and without intravitreal injections. The prescribed radiation dose was a mean and median 30 Gy (range of 30-40 Gy in 180-200 cGy daily fractions). Outcome measures included change in tumor thickness, subretinal fluid, visual acuity, radiation oculopathy, and survival.

Results

Decreased vision was the most common presenting symptom (n = 20/27, 74%). Pre-treatment vision for subfoveal lesions was a mean 20/400, median 20/200, and range 20/40 to hand motions (HM). Pre-treatment vision for extrafoveal tumors were a mean 20/40, median 20/25, range 20/20 to counting fingers (CF) which improved to a mean 20/32, median 20/20, range 20/12.5 to 20/200. Local control, with ultrasonographic height regression (44.5%; mean: 2.7-1.5 mm), was observed in all eyes at mean follow-up of 16 months (range: 1-72 months). Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) was given in nine cases (n = 9/27, 33%) to slow the growth of the metastasis and suppress their exudative detachments and to treat radiation maculopathy in 10 cases (n = 10/27, 37%). Late radiation complications included keratoconjunctivitis sicca in four cases (n = 4/27, 15%), exposure keratopathy in two cases (n = 2/27, 7%), and radiation retinopathy in 10 cases (n = 10/27, 37%). Of the 23 phakic eyes, four (n = 4, 17%) developed cataract.

Conclusion

Radiation therapy with or without intravitreal anti-VEGF injections was a safe and effective treatment for choroidal metastasis. It was associated with local tumor control, reduction of secondary retinal detachments, and vision preservation.

Metastatic tumours to the eye. Review of metastasis to the iris, ciliary body, choroid, retina, optic disc, vitreous, and/or lens capsule

Metastasis to the eye can involve the choroid (90%), ciliary body (2%), iris (8%), and retina, optic disc, vitreous, and/or lens capsule (<1-4%). The mean number of uveal metastasis per eye (1.7), mean tumour base (11.6 mm) and thickness (3.2 mm), tumour colour (86% yellow), and presence of subretinal fluid (72%), are all clinical features suggestive of the diagnosis. Imaging with ultrasonography demonstrates an echodense mass (80%) and optical coherence tomography shows a "lumpy bumpy" choroidal surface (64%), both important diagnostic features. Uveal metastases typically emanate from primary cancer of the breast (37%), lung (27%), kidney (4%), gastrointestinal tract (4%), cutaneous melanoma (2%), lung carcinoid (2%), prostate (2%), thyroid (1%), pancreas (1%), and other sites (3%). Occasionally, fine needle aspiration biopsy is employed if the primary site is not known. In 16% of cases, the primary site remains unknown. Rarely, metastases affect the retina, vitreous, and lens capsule, most often originating from cutaneous melanoma and in patients previously treated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis in a series of 1111 patients with uveal metastasis revealed 32% survival at 3 years and 24% at 5 years. Patients with uveal metastasis from carcinoid tumour showed most favourable survival at 5-years (92%), whereas pancreatic and kidney cancer demonstrated least favourable survival (0%). The 5-year survival was better for females (versus (vs.) males) (31% vs. 21%) and older adults (vs. children) (40% vs. 0%). In this review, we examine several large-cohort publications on the topic of ocular metastasis.

How to Manage a Patient with Ocular Metastases?

Ocular metastases are the most frequent ocular malignant tumors; their prevalence is estimated around 5-10% and is even higher in patients with breast or lung cancer. They represent various clinical situations, but they share the same hierarchical multidisciplinary therapeutic challenge with respect to the way systemic and local therapies should be selected in combination or sequentially in the personalized medical history of a patient. The challenges include tumor control, eye preservation, and the minimization of iatrogenic damage to sensitive tissues surrounding the tumor in order to preserve vision. These aims should further contribute to maintaining quality of life in patients with metastases. Many patients with choroidal metastases have systemic molecular treatment for their primary tumor. However, secondary resistance to systemic treatment is common and may ultimately be associated with cancer relapse, even after an initial response. Therefore, it makes sense to propose local treatment concomitantly or after systemic therapy to provide a more sustainable response. The aim of this review is to present current therapeutic strategies in ocular metastases and discuss how to tailor the treatment to a specific patient.

Dynamic nanoassemblies of nanomaterials for cancer photomedicine

Photomedicine has long been used for treating cancerous diseases. With advances in chemical and material sciences, various types of light-activated photosensitizers (PSs) have been developed for effective photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). However, conventional organic/inorganic materials-based PSs lack disease recognition capability and show limited therapeutic effects in addition to side effects. Recently, intelligent dynamic nanoassemblies that are activated in a tumor environment have been extensively researched to target diseased tissues more effectively, for increasing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects. This paper presents the latest dynamic nanoassemblies for effective PDT or PTT and combination phototherapies, including immunotherapy and image-guided therapy. Dynamic self-assembly exhibits great potential for clinical translation in diagnosis and treatment through its integrated versatility. Nanoassemblies based on multidisciplinary technology are a promising technique for treating incurable cancerous diseases in the future.

A Comprehensive Understanding of Choroidal Metastasis from Lung Cancer

The incidence of lung cancer with intraocular metastasis is low, of which choroidal metastasis is the most painful metastatic lesion. The clinical symptoms resulting from choroidal metastasis from lung cancer easily detected although they are rarely identified prior to the diagnosis of the primary malignancy. The quality of life of patients is inevitably impaired. Some lung cancer patients complain of ocular symptoms as the first manifestation of lung cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly overcome or delay the visual impairment and improve prognosis. The main therapeutic modalities include systemic and local treatments, while observation is also a treatment option. Currently, the feasibility and effectiveness of various treatment options are controversial worldwide. Herein, we summarize the underlying mechanisms, epidemiology, clinical features, auxiliary examinations, diagnosis, and recent treatment options for intraocular metastases.

Secondary ocular malignancies: A review

Secondary ocular malignancies most commonly spread to the choroid. Previously, the prognosis was poor however, with newer treatments including immunotherapy, patient's life expectancy have increased. It is therefore, important that ophthalmologists diagnose this condition in a timely manner and offer treatment to maximize visual potential and refer them on to oncology colleagues in order to optimize their systemic treatment for their primary cancer.

Photodynamic therapy for choroidal melanoma: What is the response rate?

To determine the response rate of choroidal melanoma following primary photodynamic therapy, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies. A total of 7 studies reporting photodynamic therapy as primary treatment of choroidal melanoma in 162 patients with a mean tumor height of 2.8 mm (1.4 to 4.2) were identified. Forty-six percent of tumors were amelanotic, 48% were fully pigmented, and 6% had partial pigmentation. The photodynamic therapy parameters in all studies included 10-minute intravenous infusion of verteporfin (6 mg/m²), but varied in number of sessions (1 to 3), fluence (1× to 19×), and number of spots (single or multiple). The response was defined as tumor regression (partial or total) or lack of growth after initial treatment. The response to photodynamic therapy was predominantly observed as regression (126 [78%]). Overall response rate was 80% (mean) with a wide range among studies (58%-100%) over a period of 50 months (mean) with variable follow-up (range, 1-156 months). None of the studies reported progression- or recurrence-free survival; however, the recurrence rate was not related to the follow-up duration. Favorable prognostic factors were smaller size and lack of pigmentation. The overall response rate of 80% suggests that photodynamic therapy may be an effective primary treatment for small choroidal melanoma, especially in cases without pigmentation. Artifacts in study design (inclusion criteria and outcome measure) may have contributed to the variable observed response rate. Further studies with uniform inclusion criteria, standardized treatment parameters, well-defined outcome measures, and long follow-up are needed.

Choroidal metastases: case report and review

Introduction:

Choroidal metastases are the most frequent intraocular secondary tumours, with a prevalence of 2–7% according to the literature. Our aim was to review a clinical case of choroidal metastasis.

We present a case of a 63-year-old male patient diagnosed in 2018 with lung adenocarcinoma cT4N0M1. The patient had three metastases in the brain, which were successfully treated with radiosurgery (RS). The patient was treated with chemotherapy with pemetrexed–cisplatin schedule. Five months after diagnosis, the patient presented with decreased vision in the right eye. After ophthalmologic evaluation, he was diagnosed with a right choroidal metastasis, which was treated with external beam radiotherapy with 20 Gy in five fractions, resulting in improved visual acuity and a complete clinical and radiological response.

The patient took part in a clinical trial that continued with systemic chemotherapy. Twenty-two months after radiotherapy to the eye, the patient has good visual acuity without any side effects.

Conclusions:

Choroidal metastasis treated with radiotherapy achieves good local control, with limited side effects, allowing an improvement in visual acuity and consequently, an improvement in the patient´s quality of life.

Photodynamic Therapy in Ocular Oncology

Over the past two decades, we have witnessed the increasing use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the field of ocular oncology. Based on a review of the literature and our own experience, we herein review the role of PDT for the management of intraocular tumors. The discussion includes two main topics. First, we discuss the application of PDT for benign tumors, including circumscribed choroidal hemangioma, choroidal osteoma, retinal astrocytoma, retinal capillary hemangioma (retinal hemangioblastoma), and retinal vasoproliferative tumor. Second, we assess the role of PDT for malignant tumors, including choroidal melanoma and choroidal metastasis.

Photodynamic Therapy for Choroidal Metastasis Tumor Control and Visual Outcomes in 58 Cases: The 2019 Burnier International Ocular Pathology Society Lecture

PURPOSE

To determine outcomes after photodynamic therapy (PDT) for choroidal metastasis.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-three patients with 40 eyes harboring 58 choroidal metastases.

METHODS

Treatment with standard fluence PDT using verteporfin.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Tumor control and visual outcomes.

RESULTS

The primary cancer originated in the lung (n = 17 [39%]), breast (n = 16 [37%]), kidney (n = 3 [8%]), thyroid (n = 2 [6%]), and other sites (n = 5 [10%]). The mean patient age at entry was 61 years. Ocular symptoms included decreased visual acuity (n = 23 [53%]), visual field defect (n = 2 [5%]), floaters (n = 7 [16%]), flashes (n = 3 [7%]), and asymptomatic (n = 8 [19%]). The median entering visual acuity (Snellen equivalent) was 20/40. The median tumor diameter was 5.0 mm, and median thickness by ultrasonography was 2.0 mm. The median distance to the optic disc was 3.0 mm, and that to the foveola was 2.0 mm. Of the 43 patients, 35 maintained follow-up (40 eyes, 45 tumors), and PDT achieved tumor control with 1 session (n = 32 tumors [71%]) or 2 sessions (n = 3 tumors [7%]) and failed to achieve regression (n = 10 tumors [22%]). The 10 metastases for which treatment failed were managed further with plaque radiotherapy (n = 3), proton beam radiotherapy (n = 1), external beam radiotherapy (n = 1), systemic chemotherapy (n = 4), and observation (patient preference; n = 1). A comparison of clinical features for tumor control (PDT alone vs. PDT plus additional therapy) revealed those controlled with PDT alone were more likely to be adenocarcinoma (73% vs. 30%; P = 0.02) and those eyes were more like to achieve final visual acuity of 20/20 to 20/40 (66% vs. 30%; P = 0.03), with better median final Snellen visual acuity (20/30 vs. 20/70; not significant). Primary cancer site or ocular tumor features (size, location, color, shape, related subretinal fluid) did not impact tumor control. In the entire group of 40 eyes, visual acuity improved or remained stable in 28 (70%) and decreased in 12 (30%), related to subfoveal scar, persistent subretinal fluid, reactive exudation, radiation maculopathy, and brain metastasis. At last follow-up (mean, 20 months), of the entering 43 patients, 9 (21%) were alive and 34 (79%) had died of systemic metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is an effective outpatient method for small to medium choroidal metastatic tumors, providing tumor control in 78% of eyes and visual outcome of 20/20 to 20/40 in 66% of eyes.

Photodynamic Therapy of Presumed Choroidal Metastasis Secondary to Colorectal Carcinoma: Literature Review

Colorectal cancer may yield metastasis to the choroid. Its management may be challenging, since there is no consensus about treatment. We describe a case of a 70-year-old male with colon cancer who complained of worsening visual acuity of his better-seeing eye to 20/40 secondary to a nonpigmented choroidal mass of medium reflectivity under the inferior temporal arcade and neurosensory foveal detachment. Besides systemic chemotherapy, local treatment with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) was performed. After one month, visual acuity improved to 20/25 and subretinal fluid faded. In conclusion, vPDT may be a useful adjuvant treatment modality for choroidal metastasis secondary to colorectal cancer.

Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin for Choroidal Metastasis Refractory to Radiotherapy

A 54-year old female with longstanding metastatic breast cancer was referred for management of choroidal metastases. She was first treated with external beam radiotherapy and experienced some response before later suffering progression of her eye disease. We then treated her using full fluence Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Verteporfin, which resulted in regression of her lesions until she passed away due to other illnesses. This is the first documented successful application of PDT for choroidal metastasis from a primary breast cancer refractory to external beam radiotherapy.

Non-GVHD ocular complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation: expert review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the CIBMTR and Transplant Complications Working Party of the EBMT

Non-graft-versus-host disease (non-GVHD) ocular complications are generally uncommon after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), but can cause prolonged morbidity affecting activities of daily living and quality of life. Here we provide an expert review of non-GVHD ocular complications in a collaboration between transplant physicians and ophthalmologists through the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Complications discussed in this review include cataracts, glaucoma, ocular infections, ocular involvement with malignancy, ischemic microvascular retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment and ocular toxicities associated with medications. We have summarized incidence, risk factors, screening, prevention and treatment of individual complications and generated evidence-based recommendations. Baseline ocular evaluation before HCT should be considered in all patients who undergo HCT. Follow-up evaluations should be considered according to clinical symptoms, signs and risk factors. Better preventive strategies and treatments remain to be investigated for individual ocular complications after HCT. Both transplant physicians and ophthalmologists should be knowledgeable of non-GVHD ocular complications and provide comprehensive collaborative team care.

Non-Graft-versus-Host Disease Ocular Complications after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Expert Review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Non-graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) ocular complications are generally uncommon after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) but can cause prolonged morbidity affecting activities of daily living and quality of life. Here we provide an expert review of non-GVHD ocular complications in a collaboration between transplantation physicians and ophthalmologists through the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Complications discussed in this review include cataracts, glaucoma, ocular infections, ocular involvement with malignancy, ischemic microvascular retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment and ocular toxicities associated with medications. We summarize the incidence, risk factors, screening, prevention, and treatment of individual complications and generate evidence-based recommendations. Baseline ocular evaluation before HCT should be considered in all patients who undergo HCT. Follow-up evaluations should be considered according to clinical signs and symptoms and risk factors. Better preventive strategies and treatments remain to be investigated for individual ocular complications after HCT. Both transplantation physicians and ophthalmologists should be knowledgeable about non-GVHD ocular complications and provide comprehensive collaborative team care.

New concepts in the diagnosis and management of choroidal metastases

The most frequent site of ocular metastasis is the choroid. The occurrence of choroidal metastases has increased steadily due to the longer survival of metastatic patients and the improvement of diagnostic tools. Fundoscopy, ultrasonography, and fluorescein angiography are now complemented by indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography. Choroidal tumor biopsy may also confirm the metastatic nature of the tumor and help to determine the site of the primary malignancy. There is currently no consensus on the treatment strategy. Most patients have a limited life expectancy and for these complex treatments are generally not recommended. However, recent advances in systemic therapy have significantly improved survival of certain patients who may benefit from an aggressive ocular approach that could preserve vision. Although external beam radiation therapy is the most widely used treatment, more advanced forms of radiotherapy that are associated with fewer side effects can be proposed in select cases. In patients with a shorter life expectancy, systemic therapies such as those targeting oncogenic drivers, or immunotherapy can induce a regression of the choroidal metastases, and may be sufficient to temporarily decrease visual symptoms. However, they often acquire resistance to systemic treatment and ocular relapse usually requires radiotherapy for durable control. Less invasive office-based treatments, such as photodynamic therapy and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF, may also help to preserve vision while reducing time spent in medical settings for patients in palliative care. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on choroidal metastases, with emphasis on the most recent findings in epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.

Uveal Metastasis: Clinical Features and Survival Outcome of 2214 Tumors in 1111 Patients Based on Primary Tumor Origin

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients with uveal metastasis based on primary tumor site.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis from Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA, for uveal metastasis clinical features and outcomes based on the primary tumor site.

RESULTS:

There were 2214 uveal metastases diagnosed in 1111 consecutive patients. The demographics included mean age of 60 years (median 61 years), Caucasian race (88%), and female gender (64%). The tumor was unilateral (82%) and primary site was established before uveal metastasis (67%). The primary tumor originated in the breast (37%), lung (26%), kidney (4%), gastrointestinal (GI) tract (4%), cutaneous melanoma (2%), lung carcinoid (2%), prostate (2%), thyroid (1%), pancreas (1%), other sites (3%), and unknown (16%). Comparative analysis of the 5 most common primary sites (breast, lung, kidney, GI tract, and cutaneous melanoma), revealed metastasis at mean age (57, 62, 66, 61, 59 years), as unilateral tumor (74%, 86%, 85%, 93%, 85%), with mean number of metastasis/eye (1.9, 1.7, 1.0, 1.1, 2.0), and in females (99%, 46%, 26%, 25%, 30%). Choroidal metastases measured mean base (9.3, 10.2, 9.1, 11.0, 7.3 mm), mean thickness (2.4, 3.6, 4.4, 4.0, 2.9 mm), and demonstrated predominant color yellow (94%, 91%, 56%, 97%, 36%). Of the 769 patients with documented follow-up, mean patient survival was poor (22.2, 11.5, 8.6, 12.4, 11.4 months) and Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed 3-year survival (33%, 19%, 0%, 14%, 21%) and 5-year survival (24%, 13%, 0%, 14%, 21%). The worst survival was found in patients with pancreatic metastasis (mean 4.2 months) and best survival with lung carcinoid (92% at 5 years).

CONCLUSION:

In a tertiary referral service, uveal metastasis originates from cancer in the breast, lung, kidney, GI tract, cutaneous melanoma, or others. Overall prognosis is poor with 5-year survival at 23% and worst survival with pancreatic metastasis whereas best survival with lung carcinoid metastasis.

Vision Loss from Choroidal and Pituitary Metastases Secondary to Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

A 62-year-old male with a history of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) presented with decreased vision to 20/50 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed an elevated, amelanotic mass lesion in the superotemporal macula, without involvement of the central macula by subretinal fluid or tumour. Given incongruity between the fundus findings and the degree of visual impairment, visual field testing was obtained, revealing a bitemporal hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated optic chiasm compression by a pituitary mass, which had previously been overlooked on computed tomography imaging. Biopsy confirmed metastatic ccRCC to the pituitary, which presented simultaneously with the presumed choroidal metastasis.

Photodynamic Therapy in Ocular Oncology

Although introduced for the treatment of maculopathies, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now largely used in some eye cancers treatment. The selective tissue damage with PDT is achieved by sequestration of the photosensitizer in the target tissue and focal activation of the photosensitizer by low energy directed light. In this way, it is possible to achieve the destruction of the tumor tissue by safeguarding the surrounding healthy structures. Our study describes the clinical uses and efficacy of photodynamic therapy in ocular oncology.

Photodynamic Therapy for Eye Cancer

Photodynamic therapy is well-established as a treatment for a number of conditions in ophthalmology, principally in the field of medical retina, but less so in ocular oncology. Cancer of the eye is rare, the commonest lesions to affect the globe being choroidal melanoma (as a primary malignancy) and choroidal metastases (a secondary malignancy). The mainstay of treatment of such lesions remains radiotherapy in various forms, however, photodynamic therapy does have a useful role to play in the management of such patients. In this article, I hope to review the current indications, treatment regimes, and the risks and benefits of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a treatment for eye cancer.

Failure of ocular photodynamic therapy for secondary choroidal metastasis: a case report and literature review

The choroid is the most common site for intraocular metastatic disease. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can effectively destroy malignant tissue and induce anti-tumor activity. Recent publications support its use as an effective therapy for the treatment of choroidal metastases, especially in the subfoveal region, resulting in subsequent vision preservation or improvement. Here, we introduce a case of choroidal metastasis, secondary to primary lung cancer. The progression of choroidal metastasis after PDT was followed up using spectral domain optical coherence tomography with point-to-point follow-up. Unfortunately, both the choroidal metastasis and serous retinal detachment increased after PDT. Since the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of PDT on choroidal metastasis is still not fully understood, deeper investigations into its safety, underlying molecular mechanisms, and treatment effects are critical for further PDT clinical usage in intraocular choroidal metastases.

Swept-source optical coherence tomographic findings in eyes with metastatic choroidal tumor

Purpose

To report the swept-source optical coherence tomographic (OCT) findings in two eyes with choroidal metastases.

Observations

Two patients with choroidal metastasis were studied. The metastasis was from a breast cancer in Case 1 and from a lung cancer in Case 2. In Case 1, swept-source OCT showed a highly reflective solid tumor with low optical reflective tissues that had replaced the choroidal tissue. Swept-source OCT was able to image the choroidal mass where other fundus imaging methods such as fluorescein angiography did not show the mass. Ophthalmoscopy of Case 2 showed hemorrhages in the inner retina, on the tumor, and in the vitreous. Swept-source OCT showed a subretinal mass with a steeple-crowned cap and a ruptured Bruch's membrane on the tumor.

Conclusion and importance

Swept-source OCT imaging can detect the inner structure of a choroidal mass and retina around it in good detail.

Intraocular Metastases--A Review

Intraocular metastases almost invariably arise in the uveal tract, mostly in the posterior choroid. They are the most common type of intraocular malignancy and often the first sign of tumor dissemination. Choroidal metastases generally appear as a creamy white or pale yellow mass associated with subretinal fluid and may be multifocal and bilateral. The most common primary sites are breast and lung. Diagnosis is aided by a variety of tests, particularly ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography. Intraocular biopsy is useful in patients with clinical suspicion of uveal metastasis but no evidence of primary malignancy despite systemic evaluation. If systemic treatment fails to control the ocular tumor, a good response is usually achieved with local therapies such as external beam radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, and transpupillary thermotherapy. The life expectancy of patients with choroidal metastases is generally poor but has been improving thanks to the therapeutic advances taking place.

Oncologic Photodynamic Therapy: Basic Principles, Current Clinical Status and Future Directions

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved cancer therapy, based on a photochemical reaction between a light activatable molecule or photosensitizer, light, and molecular oxygen. When these three harmless components are present together, reactive oxygen species are formed. These can directly damage cells and/or vasculature, and induce inflammatory and immune responses. PDT is a two-stage procedure, which starts with photosensitizer administration followed by a locally directed light exposure, with the aim of confined tumor destruction. Since its regulatory approval, over 30 years ago, PDT has been the subject of numerous studies and has proven to be an effective form of cancer therapy. This review provides an overview of the clinical trials conducted over the last 10 years, illustrating how PDT is applied in the clinic today. Furthermore, examples from ongoing clinical trials and the most recent preclinical studies are presented, to show the directions, in which PDT is headed, in the near and distant future. Despite the clinical success reported, PDT is still currently underutilized in the clinic. We also discuss the factors that hamper the exploration of this effective therapy and what should be changed to render it a more effective and more widely available option for patients.

Choroidal metastases: origin, features, and therapy

The choroid is the most common ocular site for metastatic disease, owing to abundant vascular supply. The primary cancers that most commonly lead to choroidal metastases include breast cancer (40-47%) and lung cancer (21-29%). Bilateral, multifocal metastases are most often secondary to breast cancer, whereas unilateral, unifocal metastasis are more commonly found with lung cancer. The treatment of choroidal metastasis depends on the systemic status of the patient and number, location, and laterality of the choroidal tumors. Treatment options include observation in patients with poor systemic status or those with resolved or asymptomatic disease; systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or whole eye radiotherapy if the metastases are active, multifocal and bilateral; plaque radiotherapy, transpupillary radiotherapy, or photodynamic therapy for active, solitary metastasis; and enucleation for those with blind painful eye. A database search was performed on PubMed, using the terms “choroidal metastasis,” or “choroidal metastases,” in combination with terms such as “treatment,” “features,” or “diagnosis.” Relevant articles were extracted and reviewed.

The effect of intravitreal bevacizumab and transpupillary thermotherapy on choroidal metastases and literature review

Aims:

To represent the effects of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) and intravitreal bevacizumab on choroidal metastases and review the literature.

Settings and Design:

A retrospective, interventional, noncomparative case series.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective, interventional, noncomparative case series of five eyes in three patients with choroidal metastases was conducted. Fundus findings of choroidal metastases were divided into two types: Solitary or diffuse type. The size of the tumor was termed small (<10 mm diameter), medium (10–15 mm diameter) or large (>15 mm diameter). All eyes received one session of TTT followed by 3 weekly intravitreal bevacizumab injections as an adjuvant therapy. The parameters of treatment for TTT were 1.2–3 mm spot size, 150–300 mW, 60 s with the whole lesion covered confluently. The changes in preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded. Serial color fundus photography and optical coherent tomography were performed to measure the treatment efficacy.

Results:

All eight choroidal metastases were solitary type. The size of six tumors was small, the size of one tumor was medium, and the size of one tumor was large. All five eyes of the three patients had improvement of BCVA after treatment. Fundus photos revealed tumor shrinkage and the mean shrinkage percentage was 61.27 ± 21.71%. Optical coherence tomography revealed complete resolution of serous retinal detachment. There was no recurrence after 6 months follow-up.

Conclusions:

TTT combined with intravitreal bevacizumab injections brought about beneficial effects in reducing tumor size and improving vision in all five eyes of the three patients. Despite the retrospective nature of our study, the absence of control group and the size limitation that, of course, limit the statistical power, TTT combined with intravitreal bevacizumab seems to be efficient in providing another cost-reducing and time-saving treatment option for patients with choroidal metastases. The antineoplastic properties of bevacizumab make it a viable adjunctive therapy. Studies with more cases and a longer follow-up period are warranted.

Photodynamic Therapy for Choroidal Metastasis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of choroidal metastasis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

Patients with choroidal metastasis treated with PDT at a single institution were reviewed. PDT was applied with verteporfin at a dose of 6 mg/m(2) body surface area and a 689 nm diode laser for 83 seconds. Visual acuity, tumor basal diameter, tumor thickness by ultrasonography, and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), as well as associated features including subretinal fluid, were recorded before PDT and during follow-up examinations.

RESULTS

Twenty-one tumors in 13 eyes of 10 patients were included. Eight tumors were treated with a single session of PDT, 11 tumors received 2 sessions, 1 tumor received 3 sessions, and 1 tumor received 5 sessions. At the end of a mean follow-up of 12 months (range, 3-42 months), 9 eyes (69%) had stable or improved visual acuity, while 4 eyes (31%) had decreased visual acuity. Mean logMAR change in visual acuity was -0.09 (range, -1.3 to 0.8). Seventeen of 21 tumors (81%) were flat at last follow-up. The mean decrease in ultrasound-measured thickness was 0.83 mm (range, 2.6 mm decrease to 1.4 mm increase), while the decrease in EDI-OCT-measured thickness was 400 μm (range, 1280 μm decrease to 280 μm increase). Eighteen tumors (86%) had complete resolution of subretinal fluid. There were no PDT-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Photodynamic therapy may be an effective therapeutic option for the management of choroidal metastasis in selected cases.

Clinical use of photodynamic therapy in ocular tumors

Although the introduction of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs reduced the indications for photodynamic therapy in ophthalmology, it may still be used in various ocular tumors. Although many studies have shown that photodynamic therapy is effective in ocular tumors, the literature consists of case reports and series. In this review, we systematically performed a meta-analysis for the use of photodynamic therapy in circumscribed choroidal hemangioma, diffuse choroidal hemangioma, retinal capillary hemangioma, von Hippel-Lindau angiomatosis, choroidal melanoma, retinal astrocytoma, retinoblastoma, eyelid tumors, conjunctival tumors, and choroidal metastasis.

This, that, or something different?

A 72-year-old man presented after a single choroidal mass was incidentally detected on fundus examination of his right eye. The patient has a history of multiple myeloma and neuroendocrine thymoma diagnosed 6 and 10 years before presentation, respectively. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed metastatic choroidal carcinoid tumor. The patient was subsequently treated with brachytherapy (iodine-125).

Ophthalmic Metastasis of Breast Cancer and Ocular Side Effects from Breast Cancer Treatment and Management: Mini Review

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases occurring in women, and its incidence increases over the years. It is the main site of origin in ocular metastatic disease in women, and, due to its hematogenous nature of metastatic spread, it affects mainly the uveal tissue. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the clinical manifestations of the breast cancer ocular metastatic disease, alongside the side effects of the available treatment options for the management and regression of the systematic and ophthalmic disease.

Use of systemic therapy in the treatment of choroidal metastases from breast cancer

This is a case report on the use of systemic therapy to successfully regress choroidal metastases due to breast cancer. The choroid is the commonest site for intraocular metastatic disease. Breast and lung cancer are frequently the primary malignancies. Traditionally, choroidal metastases are treated with local therapy to the eye including using either external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy or, recently, with photodynamic therapy. We report on the impressive results obtained with the use of palliative paclitaxel chemotherapy and trastuzumab after only 8 weeks. Funduscopic images and ultrasound findings support this.

Intravitreal bevacizumab in the successful management of choroidal metastases secondary to lung and breast cancer unresponsive to systemic therapy: a case series

PURPOSE

Management of choroidal metastases is commonly with systemic chemotherapy; however, if tumours are refractory to treatment and vision is endangered, local therapy modalities are feasible. A novel option is the use of intravitreal bevacizumab. This report presents three cases of choroidal metastatic tumours secondary to lung and breast cancer treated with intravitreal bevazizumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three patients with choroidal metastases secondary to lung and breast tumours were treated at the Ophthalmology Unit, University of Rome 'Sapienza', S.Andrea Hospital from January 2009 to August 2012. All patients developed vision loss with diagnosis of chorioidal metastasis during systemic chemotherapy. Off label intravitreal bevacizumab treatment was performed with two 1.25 mg injections in two patients and four injections in one patient at 30-day intervals.

RESULTS

Vision improved, subretinal fluid resolved, and choroidal tumour regression was obtained in all cases. Follow-up was 6, 9, and 12 months and there were no complications related to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal bevacizumab administration represented an efficacious therapeutic option with rapid effect in the treatment of choroidal metastatic tumours unresponsive to systemic therapy. It can have a role in the management of these tumours by preventing vision loss and improving the quality of life of patients.

Treatment of posterior uveal melanoma with multi-dose photodynamic therapy

AIMS

To report on the use of multi-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of posterior uveal melanoma.

METHODS

Prospective case series. 18 patients with posterior uveal melanoma were treated with a minimum of three sessions of PDT. Mean tumour thickness was 1.92 mm (median 1.75, range 0.5-4.4 mm) while the mean basal diameter was 7.1 mm (median 6.3, range 5.2-11 mm). Patients were assessed for visual acuity, complications, tumour status and systemic metastases.

RESULTS

In 16 cases, the tumour regressed with stable or improved vision in 15 patients (83%) over a mean follow-up period of 28 months (median 26.5, range 12-44 months). One patient developed an edge recurrence on two occasions ultimately requiring proton beam therapy while one patient showed no response to PDT before being successfully treated with proton beam therapy. Two patients developed scleritis requiring a short course of systemic steroids. No patient developed metastatic disease in the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior uveal melanomas may be successfully treated with high dose PDT with retention of good vision in the majority of cases, at least in the short-term. Longer follow-up is required to see if these encouraging results are maintained.

Blurred vision as the sole initial presentation of disseminated lung malignancy

Symptomatic choroidal metastasis (CM) is a rare presenting feature of disseminated lung malignancy. Detection of the primary malignancy usually precedes ocular findings. We report a rare case of blurred vision secondary to bilateral CM as the sole initial manifestation of disseminated lung malignancy in a female patient. Pulmonary symptoms appeared 2 months later. She received radiotherapy and palliative chemotherapy and survived for 7 months after the initial presentation.

Management of patients with uveal metastases at the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre

BACKGROUND

Uveal metastasis is the most common intraocular malignancy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all patients with uveal metastases referred to the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre between January 2007 and December 2012. Biopsy was performed as a primary investigation if the clinical examination suggested metastasis with no evidence of any extraocular metastases.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients (109 eyes) were included. Breast and lung carcinomas were the most common primary malignancies, affecting 41 and 27 patients, respectively. The median time interval between detection of primary cancer and uveal metastasis was 24 months (range 1-288 months). Thirty-nine patients underwent ocular biopsy, confirming the diagnosis in all patients. The biopsy indicated the site of origin in 24 out of the 27 without a known primary tumour. In 7 of these 27 cases, previous systemic investigations had failed to identify the primary tumour. Seventy-three patients received external beam irradiation; two patients received photodynamic therapy; and two patients had Ru-106 plaque radiotherapy. The visual acuity was stable or improved in 75.5% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate biopsy provides a quick diagnosis that may expedite treatment and improve any opportunities for conserving vision while facilitating the general oncologic management on these patients.

A case of presumed choroidal metastasis from carcinoid tumor treated by photodynamic therapy with verteporfin

We report a case of metastatic choroidal carcinoid tumor with favorable outcome after photodynamic therapy. A 75-year-old woman was presumptively diagnosed with bilateral choroidal metastases from carcinoid tumor. Although the tumor in the right eye showed a tendency toward rapid expansion and required aggressive treatment to preserve vision, the size was still small and we hesitated to use external-beam radiotherapy because of the risk of radiation retinopathy. Consequently, photodynamic therapy was performed on the right eye, resulting in drastic reduction of the size and height of the choroidal tumor. Good visual acuity was maintained after photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment for choroidal metastasis from carcinoid tumor.

Ocular phototherapy

Phototherapy can be translated to mean 'light or radiant energy-induced treatment.' Lasers have become the exclusive source of light or radiant energy for all applications of phototherapy. Depending on the wavelength, intensity, and duration of exposure, tissues can either absorb the energy (photocoagulation, thermotherapy, and photodynamic therapy (PDT)) or undergo ionization (photodisruption). For phototherapy to be effective, the energy has to be absorbed by tissues or more specifically by naturally occurring pigment (xanthophyll, haemoglobin, and melanin) within them. In tissues or tumours that lack natural pigment, dyes (verteporphin, Visudyne) with narrow absorption spectrum can be injected intravenously that act as focal absorbent of laser energy after they have preferentially localized within the tumour. Ocular phototherapy has broad applications in treatment of ocular tumours. Laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, and PDT can be delivered with low rates of complications and with ease in the outpatient setting. Review of the current literature suggests excellent results when these treatments are applied for benign tumours, particularly for vascular tumours such as circumscribed choroidal haemangioma. For primary malignant tumours, such as choroidal melanoma, thermotherapy, and PDT do not offer local tumour control rates that are equivalent or higher than those achieved with plaque or proton radiation therapy. However, for secondary malignant tumours (choroidal metastases), thermotherapy and PDT can be applied as a palliative treatment. Greater experience is necessary to fully comprehend risks, comparative benefits, and complication of ocular phototherapy of ocular tumours.

Ocular metastases

The eye is a rare site for disseminated malignancy because of the absence of a lymphatic system. Metastases to the ocular structures occur by haematogenous spread and therefore the parts of the eye with the best vascular supply are most likely to be affected. Many patients with Stage 4 carcinomatosis (distal metastatic spread) already have a history of a previous primary cancer. However, this is not always the case for lung cancer as this can metastasise early to the uveal tract and therefore the ophthalmologist may be the first to discover the presence of terminal metastatic disease. Broadly speaking, treatment options are focused on improving the patients' quality of life if visual acuity is threatened. Long-term side effects of treatment need to be considered as systemic cancer treatments and therefore patient life expectancy is improving. In this manuscript, presented at the Cambridge symposium 2012, the diagnosis and challenges involved in the management of ocular metastases are presented.