INTRAVITREAL FLUOCINOLONE ACETONIDE IMPLANT FOR RADIATION RETINOPATHY: Report of Preliminary Findings.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of a 0.18 mg intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (FA) implant (Yutiq, EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Watertown, MA) as a treatment option for patients with radiation retinopathy-related cystoid macular edema. METHODS: A retrospective review of seven patients treated for uveal melanoma who developed radiation retinopathy-related cystoid macular edema. They were initially treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and/or steroid injections and then transitioned to intravitreal FA implant. Primary outcomes include best-corrected visual acuity, central subfield thickness, and number of additional injections. RESULTS: After FA implant insertion, best-corrected visual acuity and central subfield thickness remained stable in all patients. The variance in best-corrected visual acuity decreased from 75.5 ETDRS letters (range 0-199 letters) to 29.8 (range 1.2-134) after FA implant insertion. Mean central subfield thickness was 384 µ m (range 165-641) and 354 µ m (range 282-493) before and after FA implant insertion, resulting in a 30- µ m mean reduction. The number of intravitreal injections (average 4.9, range 2-10) decreased after intravitreal FA implant insertion with only two patients requiring one additional FA implant (average 0.29, range 0-1) over a mean of 12.1 months (range 0.9-18.5) follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal FA implant is an effective treatment for cystoid macular edema radiation retinopathy. The slow release of steroid allows for sustained control of macular edema, which correlated with stable visual acuity and decreased injection burden for patients.

Dawn of a new era of antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific T-cell engagers for treatment of multiple myeloma: a systematic review of literature.

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease with the majority of patients experiencing disease relapse despite response to initial therapy. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific T-cell engagers are innovative immunotherapeutic approaches currently in development for the treatment of MM. This systematic review summarizes the efficacy and safety of ADCs and bispecific T-cell engagers in relapsed refractory (RR) MM patients from 2010 to date. Comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Wiley Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov . A total of 13 studies (n = 529) met inclusion eligibility. All studies were prospective in nature investigating ADCs or bispecific T-cell engagers in RR MM; 10 trials were phase 1 and 3 were phase 2. The median age of patients ranged from 24 to 82 years. Among trials with ADC regimens, the overall response (OR) ranged from 34 to 60% and complete response (CR) ranged from 3 to 6%. The most common non-hematologic adverse event (AE) of ADCs was keratopathy, while anemia and thrombocytopenia were the most common hematological AEs. With bispecific T-cell engagers , ORR ranged from 31 to 83%, CR ranged from 7 to 22%, and partial response (PR) ranged from 5 to 16%. The most common non-hematologic AE of bispecific T-cell engagers was cytokine release syndrome (CRS) while the most common hematological AE was neutropenia. Initial data appears to show good clinical activity and tolerable safety profiles, making ADCs and bispecific T-cell engagers promising agents for RRMM. Future studies with newer combinations and a longer follow-up are needed to determine the precise role of these novel therapies in the evolving paradigm of MM treatment.

Animal models of radiation retinopathy - From teletherapy to brachytherapy.

Radiation retinopathy is a serious vision-impairing complication of radiation therapy used to treat ocular tumors. Characterized by retinal vasculopathy and subsequent retinal damage, the first sign of radiation retinopathy is the preferential loss of vascular endothelial cells. Ensuing ischemia leads to retinal degradation and late stage neovascularization. Despite the established disease progression, the pathophysiology and cellular mechanisms contributing to radiation retinopathy remain unclear. Clinical experience and basic research for other retinal vasculopathies, such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, can inform our understanding of radiation retinopathy; however, the literature investigating the fundamental mechanisms in radiation retinopathy is limited. Treatment trials have shown modest success but, ultimately, fail to address the cellular events that initiate radiation retinopathy. Animal models of radiation retinopathy could provide means to identify effective therapies. Here, we review the literature for all animal models of radiation retinopathy, summarize anatomical highlights pertaining to animal models, identify additional physiological factors to consider when investigating radiation retinopathy, and explore the use of clinically relevant tests for studying in vivo models of radiation retinopathy. We encourage further investigation into the mechanistic characterization of radiation retinopathy in the hope of discovering novel treatments.

ULTRA-WIDEFIELD MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF PRIMARY VITREORETINAL LYMPHOMA.

PURPOSE: To determine the features of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma on multimodal ultra-widefield imaging and correlate these findings to clinical outcomes. METHODS: We report a retrospective, observational case series of 43 eyes of 23 patients with biopsy-proven B-cell primary vitreoretinal lymphoma. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and indocyanine green angiography images were reviewed. Medical records were assessed for the central nervous system involvement and visual acuity outcomes at 6 and 12 months after presentation. RESULTS: Common fundus photography findings were sub-retinal pigment epithelium lesions and vitritis alone. Common ultra-widefield FA findings were vascular leakage and scleral staining. Retinal optical coherence tomography features overlying sub-retinal pigment epithelium lesions or within the macula predicted fluorescence patterns. The presence of retinal fluid or disorganization associated with hyperfluorescence and late leakage. Normal retinal structures associated with hypofluorescence of sub-retinal pigment epithelium lesions or macular leopard spotting on FA and fundus autofluorescence. Peripheral abnormalities noted on ultra-widefield fundus photography, FA, and indocyanine green angiography were more frequent than posterior pole abnormalities. No imaging characteristics predicted time to the central nervous system progression. CONCLUSION: Ultra-widefield imaging was more informative than posterior pole imaging in fundus photography, FA, and indocyanine green angiography. Common findings on multimodal ultra-widefield imaging may lead to early diagnostic vitrectomy and may reduce the delay in primary vitreoretinal lymphoma diagnosis.

VON HIPPEL-LINDAU DISEASE: Update on Pathogenesis and Systemic Aspects.

PURPOSE: To provide an update summarizing the biologic pathways governing von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease pathogenesis and to provide an overview of systemic manifestations as well as screening recommendations. METHODS: A PubMed search of the English language literature was reviewed using the following search terms: von Hippel-Lindau, von Hippel-Lindau disease, and VHL. Of 6,696 publications, the most current and pertinent information related to the pathogenesis and systemic aspects of VHL disease were included in this review. RESULTS: von Hippel-Lindau disease is one of the most frequently occurring multisystem familial cancer syndromes. The disease results from germline mutation in the VHL tumor suppressor gene on the short arm of chromosome 3. Mutation in the VHL gene affects multiple cellular processes including transcriptional regulation, extracellular matrix formation, apoptosis, and, in particular, the cellular adaptive response to hypoxia. As a result, there is widespread development of vascular tumors affecting the retina, brain, and spine, as well as a spectrum of benign and malignant tumors and/or cysts in visceral organs. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmologist plays a key role in VHL disease diagnosis, as retinal hemangioblastoma is frequently the first disease manifestation. Screening guidelines for individuals with known VHL disease, and those at risk of VHL disease, help to ensure early detection of potentially vision-threatening and life-threatening disease.

Clinical Predictors of Regression of Choroidal Melanomas after Brachytherapy: A Growth Curve Model.

PURPOSE: To build multivariate models to assess correctly and efficiently the contribution of tumor characteristics on the rate of regression of choroidal melanomas after brachytherapy in a way that adjusts for confounding and takes into account variation in tumor regression patterns. DESIGN: Modeling of longitudinal observational data. PARTICIPANTS: Ultrasound images from 330 of 388 consecutive choroidal melanomas (87%) irradiated from 2000 through 2008 at the Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, a national referral center. METHODS: Images were obtained with a 10-MHz B-scan during 3 years of follow-up. Change in tumor thickness and cross-sectional area were modeled using a polynomial growth-curve function in a nested mixed linear regression model considering regression pattern and tumor levels. Initial tumor dimensions, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, shape, ciliary body involvement, pigmentation, isotope, plaque size, detached muscles, and radiation parameters were considered as covariates. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Covariates that independently predict tumor regression. RESULTS: Initial tumor thickness, largest basal diameter, ciliary body involvement, TNM stage, tumor shape group, break in Bruch's membrane, having muscles detached, and radiation dose to tumor base predicted faster regression, whether considering all tumors or those that regressed in a pattern compatible with exponential decay. Dark brown pigmentation was associated with slower regression. In multivariate modeling, initial tumor thickness remained the predominant and robust predictor of tumor regression (P < 0.0001). In addition, use of ruthenium isotope as opposed to iodine isotope (P = 0.018) independently contributed to faster regression of tumor thickness. For both isotopes considered alone, initial tumor thickness was the sole clinical predictor of regression (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Regression of choroidal melanoma after brachytherapy was associated with several clinical tumor and treatment parameters, most of which were shown to reflect initial tumor size. An independent predictor of regression of tumor thickness was the isotope used. These 2 covariates need to be adjusted for when exploring the associations with the rate of regression of histopathologic or genetic features of the tumor. Our model allows such future analyses efficiently without matching.

TWENTY-FIVE-GAUGE CANNULA-ASSISTED FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY OF CHOROIDAL MELANOMA: Cytopathological Analysis.

PURPOSE: To report cytopathological observations on the cells retrieved from the 25-G cannula used during prognostic transvitreal fine-needle aspiration biopsy of choroidal melanoma. METHODS: Transvitreal fine-needle aspiration biopsy of choroidal melanoma was performed through a 25-G valved cannula. Twenty samples from 20 consecutive patients were obtained. Most tumors were treated with plaque radiation therapy (16/20, 80%) following standard clinical guidelines. Four enucleated globes (4/20, 20%) were subjected to a similar transvitreal biopsy before enucleation. RESULTS: Cytopathological analysis of the cells retrieved from the cannula revealed the absence of any cells in 4 of 20 samples (20%). In the remaining 16 samples, definite melanoma cells and atypical cells (probable melanoma cells) were observed in 2 samples each (total 4, 25%). Histiocytes (4/16, 25%) and lymphocytes (1/16, 6%) were also observed. Thirteen samples (13/16, 81%) contained conjunctival epithelial epithelium. Prognostication could be performed on all fine-needle aspiration biopsy samples (20, 100%). CONCLUSION: Use of a 25-G valved cannula offers potential advantages by isolating the needle tract and by allowing retrieval of the contaminating cells without affecting the prognostic yield of the fine-needle aspiration biopsy sample.

Orbital diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with combined variable immunodeficiency.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency manifesting as a reduction in the level of total immunoglobulin (Ig) G, a reduction in the level of either IgA or IgM, poor response to polysaccharide vaccine, and usually frequent infections. The association of CVID with an increased risk of malignancy, specifically lymphoma, is well known. A 63-year-old female with a past medical history significant for CVID presented with a 1-month history of dull, left eye pain with proptosis, hypoglobus, and left upper lid fullness without a discrete palpable mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbits revealed a diffuse infiltrating orbital mass superonasally with extension into the superior rectus muscle, medial rectus muscle, and optic nerve up to the orbital apex and ethmoid sinus. A superonasal orbital biopsy with a caruncular approach was performed and demonstrated a sparse lymphoid infiltrate that was suggestive for a large B-cell neoplasm. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan demonstrated a hypermetabolic right lymph node, anterior to the right submandibular gland, which was biopsied and histopathology confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Our patient achieved a very good response to chemotherapy with minimal residual disease on PET scan at the end of treatment. She attained a complete remission after radiation therapy. In conclusion, patients with new orbital and adnexa masses in the setting of a primary immunodeficiency can have an aggressive malignancy such as DLBCL and early diagnosis and systemic treatment carries a good prognosis.

Dual institution experience of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma reveals excellent long-term outcomes.

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) is a B-cell lymphoma arising from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The disease characteristics, clinical course and treatment vary considerably based on site of involvement. Because long-term outcome data for EMZL are limited, we sought to describe the clinical details of a large number of patients with EMZL evaluated at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center over a 12-year period to identify prognostic markers including the impact of site of involvement. We identified 211 cases of EMZL involving the stomach (30%), ocular adnexa (19%), lungs (16%) and intestines (9%). Initial treatment included antibiotics (18%), radiation (21%), rituximab (20%), chemotherapy (3%), rituximab + chemotherapy (7%), surgery (17%) or observation (8%). After a median follow-up of 44·3 months (range 2·2-214·9), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 68·2 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 54·5-111·3) and median overall survival (OS) has not been reached. Age >60 years, elevated lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH), ≥4 lymph node groups involvement, and high follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI) were associated with inferior PFS/OS. In summary, patients with EMZL have excellent prognosis with median OS in excess of 10 years. Age, elevated LDH, advanced disease, and high FLIPI score are associated with worse outcomes.

Periocular Skin Cancer in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

PURPOSE: To determine the proportion of solid organ transplant recipients developing periocular nonmelanoma skin cancer and to describe the morbidity of these cancers in transplant recipients. DESIGN: Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients undergoing solid organ transplantation at the Cleveland Clinic between 1990 and 2008. METHODS: The charts of all patients receiving a solid organ transplant from 1990-2008 evaluated in the dermatology department for a subsequent biopsy-proven head and neck malignancy through April 2015 were reviewed. Patients with a periocular region nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or a nonperiocular NMSC causing a complication requiring eyelid surgery were included. Charts were reviewed for demographic data; transplant date, type, and source; immunosuppressive agents received at diagnosis; and type of NMSC, number of nonperiocular NMSCs, ophthalmologic findings, and periocular sequelae after the repair. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures included the type, location, final defect size, tumor-node-metastasis classification, presence of perineural invasion, and reconstruction technique(s) used for each periocular NMSC. Secondary outcome measures included the type and treatment of ocular sequelae due to nonperiocular facial NMSC. RESULTS: A total of 3489 patients underwent solid organ transplantation between 1990 and 2008. Of these, 420 patients were evaluated in the dermatology clinic for biopsy-proven NMSC of the head and neck during the study period, and 11 patients (15 malignancies) met inclusion criteria. Nine patients developed 12 periocular malignancies and 3 patients required eyelid surgery for facial malignancies outside the periocular zone. All 11 patients developed a squamous cell carcinoma (14 malignancies), and 1 patient (1 malignancy) also developed a periocular basal cell carcinoma. There was orbital invasion in 4 cases and paranasal and/or cavernous sinus invasion in 3 cases. Two patients underwent exenteration. Seven cases required reconstruction with a free flap or graft. Periocular sequelae included lower eyelid ectropion (6 malignancies), dry eye and/or exposure symptoms (8 malignancies), unilateral vision loss (3 malignancies), and facial nerve paresis (5 malignancies). CONCLUSIONS: Squamous cell carcinoma affecting the periocular region represents a risk of solid organ transplantation and may produce significant ocular morbidity, including the need for major eyelid reconstruction, globe loss, and disfiguring surgery.

Diagnostic Cytologic Features of Uveal Melanoma.

PURPOSE: To report the cytologic characteristics of uveal melanoma. DESIGN: This is a prospective, single-center study of consecutive patients. SUBJECTS: All patients with a clinical diagnosis of uveal melanoma from May 2009 to July 2013 who underwent prognostication fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were included. METHODS: The cytologic characteristics of uveal melanoma were analyzed for 150 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of uveal melanoma who were treated at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute between May 2009 and August 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cellular features of all cases were analyzed for cell type, presence of melanin, nuclear grade, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and necrosis. Cytology was then correlated with histopathology in enucleated eyes. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included. Seven samples of tumor resections were excluded from the study because they were studied by impression smears. A total of 143 FNAB samples of 143 patients formed the basis for analysis. Fifty-three percent of the patients were male, and the average age for all patients was 60 years. Transcorneal (n = 8), transscleral (n = 71), and transvitreal (n = 64) approaches were used. Of 143 samples, 131 were adequate. Among these, spindle cells were observed in 98% (63% mixed and 35% spindle only), whereas only epithelioid cells were observed in 2 samples. Melanin granules were observed in 80% of samples. Tumor nuclear grade (atypia) increased with tumor height and by tumor location (least atypia with iris tumors). CONCLUSIONS: Cytologic features such as spindle cells and melanin granules, present in 98% and 80% of samples, respectively, are important cytologic diagnostic features. Tumor nuclear grade (atypia) increased with tumor height. Iris melanoma has bland features compared with ciliary and choroidal melanoma.

Sarcoid-like reaction in sentinel lymph node draining conjunctival melanoma.

A sarcoid-like reaction is the presence of noncaseating granulomas due to a T-cell mediated inflammatory reaction in draining lymph nodes of tumors or in the vicinity of tumors. Breast cancer, lymphoma, and cutaneous melanoma have been observed to induce a sarcoid-like reaction. Herein, a patient is reported with conjunctival melanoma in whom multiple noncaseating granulomas were observed in the sentinel lymph node without evidence of micrometastasis. Fungal and mycobacterium stainings were negative and further systemic workup excluded sarcoidosis. This case identifies conjunctival melanoma as a cause of a sarcoid-like reaction.

Uveal lymphoma: clinical features, diagnostic studies, treatment selection, and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, ancillary diagnostic studies, and treatment selection in a cohort of patients with uveal lymphoma. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical review. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 22 patients (34 affected eyes) diagnosed with uveal lymphoma between 1997 and 2013. METHODS: Data were collected regarding patient characteristics, clinical features on ophthalmic examination, ancillary imaging studies, and primary treatment selection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relapse defined as lymphoma recurrence in the initial site of presentation, the contralateral eye, or other systemic site and overall survival. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were male (68.2%). Median age at diagnosis was 68.0 years. The choroid was involved in 21 cases (95.5%), and 1 case (4.5%) was ciliochoroidal. Other ocular adnexal structures were affected in 13 patients (59.1%), including the conjunctiva in 4 (18.2%), the orbit in 7 (31.8%), and both the conjunctiva and orbit in 2 (9.1%). Bilateral disease was present in 12 patients (54.5%). The most common presenting symptom was decreased vision in 15 patients (68.2%). The median delay in diagnosis was 4.0 months. Yellow-white choroidal infiltrates were observed on fundus examination in 34 eyes (100.0%) with corresponding hypofluorescence in 100% of cases when indocyanine green angiography was performed. Infiltrates were located anterior to the arcades (67.6%), most commonly in a diffuse (32.4%) or superotemporal (32.4%) distribution. B-scan ultrasonography detected extrascleral extension in 22 patients (75.9%) with a pattern of crescentic thickening in 19 (86.4%). Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma was the predominant (76.2%) histologic subtype. External beam radiotherapy (72.7%) was most commonly chosen for primary treatment. Systemic imaging at the time of diagnosis revealed that the majority of cases (77.3%) were localized to the eye; none of the patients developed new systemic disease (median follow-up, 30.3 months). CONCLUSIONS: Uveal lymphoma has distinctive clinical features. Overlap with ocular adnexal structures is common, and ancillary imaging is essential for evaluating the full extent of ocular disease and presence of systemic involvement.

Indocyanine green-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy for periocular tumors.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of indocyanine green (ICG)-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy to sentinel lymph node biopsy performed with technetium-99m in eyelid and in conjunctival malignancies. METHODS: Review of a consecutive series of adult patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy for eyelid and conjunctival malignancies between 2009 and 2013. Only patients undergoing both ICG-guided and technetium-99m-guided sentinel lymph node biopsies were included. RESULTS: Five patients were identified: 3 women and 2 men. Four had conjunctival melanoma and 1 had eyelid melanoma. ICG aided in localization and confirmation of the sentinel nodes identified by technetium-99m, and all sentinel lymph nodes identified by technetium-99m were identified by ICG. All patients who underwent both sentinel lymph node modalities had negative lymph node biopsies for micrometastasis, but metastatic disease eventually developed in 1 patient. No safety concerns were identified with the use of ICG in the ocular adnexal region. CONCLUSIONS: For certain periocular malignancies, ICG-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy safely identifies sentinel lymph nodes intraoperatively possibly to a similar extent compared with technetium-99m-guided methods.

Orbital and intraocular myofibroblastoma.

A 66-year-old woman presented with a blind, painful, hypertensive, and proptotic left eye. Computed tomographic imaging revealed a well-circumscribed mass involving the left orbit and globe. Metastatic work-up failed to reveal extraorbital lesions and the tumor was removed in toto via an evisceration approach orbitotomy. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were most consistent with mammary-type myofibroblastoma with fascicles of bland, uniform spindle cells that stained positive for desmin and CD34. We are not aware of previous reports of orbital or ocular myofibroblastoma. This neoplasm has not been shown to recur, undergo malignant transformation, or metastasize. Familiarity with its clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features may improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions for patients presenting with similar findings.

Choroidal Nevi in Children: Size, Growth, and Topographic Distribution.

PURPOSE: To explore size, growth, and topographic distribution of choroidal nevi in children to gain insights into choroidal nevogenesis. DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series using pediatric clinic - and population-study data, comparing to adult data. METHODS: Clinical data from Cole Eye Institute (CEI) database (December 2005-January 2023) was derived from a retrospective consecutive case series of 20 children (< 20 years) with choroidal nevi. For population data, 48 children from previously reported pooled data of the participants of the Sydney Pediatric Eye Disease Study, Sydney Myopia Study, Sydney Childhood Eye Study, and Sydney Adolescent Vascular and Eye Disease Study were included. Fundus photographs were reviewed and the locations of 18 choroidal nevi seen at CEI with widefield imaging were mapped on a radial scatter plot. For comparison, 100 consecutive adults with choroidal nevi were identified from CEI database. Main outcomes were size, growth, and topographic distribution of choroidal nevi. RESULTS: The median largest basal diameter was 1.6 mm (range 0.4-4.2) in children. Most choroidal nevi (75%) remained stable, and 16% demonstrated growth at follow-up. The mean growth rate was calculated as 0.12 mm/year (range 0.10-0.15). Malignant transformation was not noted during childhood. All secondary changes (drusen, orange pigment, and subretinal fluid) associated with choroidal nevi in children were less common than those in adults (p < .05). Choroidal nevi in children were located significantly more posterior than in adults. The median distance to fovea was 2.1 mm (range 0.5-8.5) in children and 5.1 mm (range 0.4-16) in adults (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The onset and growth of choroidal nevi in children suggest active choroidal nevogenesis in childhood. A posterior topographic distribution may support the developmental framework for migration and maturation of choroidal melanoblasts.

Uveal melanoma in African Americans: Diagnostic challenges.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is uncommon in African Americans. Owing to its rarity, UM may not be suspected in African Americans leading to delayed diagnosis. In addition, socioeconomic factors may also play a role in delayed diagnosis. Clinical and ultrasonographic features may be atypical due to racial pigmentation, necessitating diagnostic fine needle aspiration biopsy. Herein, we report an illustrative case series of 12 African Americans with UM highlighting clinical features and diagnostic challenges.