Central subfield thickness predicts visual acuity outcomes in plaque-irradiated eyes with choroidal melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between pre-operative central subfield thickness (CST) and post-radiotherapy visual acuity (VA), cystoid macular edema (CME), and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) requirement. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with plaque-irradiated extramacular choroidal melanoma treated between 11/11/2011 and 4/30/2021. Pre-operative CST difference between the affected and unaffected eye was used. Kaplan-Meier analysis and hazard ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Of 85 patients, pre-operative CST was greater in the melanoma-affected eye (vs. fellow eye) by mean of 20.4 µm (median 14.0, range - 60.0-182.0). Greater CST at presentation (vs. fellow eye) was associated with larger tumor diameter (p = 0.02), greater tumor thickness (p < 0.001), and more frequent tumor-related Bruch's membrane rupture (p = 0.006). On univariate analysis of outcome data, greater CST at presentation (vs. fellow eye) was associated with higher 5-year risk (1.09 [1.02-1.17], p = 0.02) of VA 20/200 or worse and increased (1.10 [1.01-1.20], p = 0.03) likelihood for anti-VEGF injections after plaque irradiation. There was no significant association with CME. The association between CST and VA outcome remained significant on multivariate analysis accounting for impact of tumor thickness and radiation dose to optic disc, while tumor distance to fovea was the only significant factor on multivariate analysis for anti-VEGF injections. CONCLUSION: Greater CST at presentation (vs. fellow eye) was associated with worse VA outcome following plaque radiotherapy for choroidal melanoma. Large-sized tumors may contribute to a higher intraocular VEGF burden, potentially leading to greater preoperative CST, which correlates with poor VA outcome post-plaque radiotherapy.

Evaluating Large Language Models on their Accuracy and Completeness: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and their Ocular Toxicities.

PURPOSE: To analyze the accuracy and thoroughness of 3 large language models (LLMs) to produce information for providers about immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) ocular toxicities. METHODS: Eight questions were created about the general definition of checkpoint inhibitors, their mechanism of action, ocular toxicities, and toxicity management. All were inputted into ChatGPT 4.0, Bard, and LLaMA programs. Utilizing the 6-point Likert scale for accuracy and completeness, four ophthalmologists who routinely treat ocular toxicities of immunotherapy agents rated the LLMs answers. ANOVA testing was used to assess significant differences among the three LLMs and a post-hoc pairwise t-test. Fleiss kappa values were calculated to account for interrater variability. RESULTS: ChatGPT responses were rated with an average of 4.59 for accuracy and 4.09 for completeness; Bard answers were rated 4.59 and 4.19; LLaMA results were rated 4.38 and 4.03. The three LLMs did not significantly differ in accuracy (p=0.47) nor completeness (p=0.86). Fleiss kappa values were found to be poor for both accuracy (-0.03) and completeness (0.01). CONCLUSIONS: All three LLMs provided highly accurate and complete responses to questions centered on ICI inhibitor ocular toxicities and management. Further studies are needed to assess specific ICI agents and the accuracy and completeness of updated versions of LLMs.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYED DIAGNOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY VITREORETINAL LYMPHOMA.

PURPOSE: To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with delayed diagnosis in patients with primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL). METHODS: Retrospective, tertiary referral center-based cohort study of all patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of VRL from January 1, 2000, to October 31, 2022. RESULTS: There were 87 patients included during the 22-year study period with 73 patients (83.9%) diagnosed with VRL upon initial evaluation at the tertiary center, with the other 14 patients (16.1%) diagnosed later. The median referral time was 4.8 months (range: 0-113 months). Patients who received an initial diagnosis of inflammatory uveitis or another incorrect diagnosis elsewhere were referred slower than those initially diagnosed with VRL (P = 0.04). The most common incorrect initial diagnosis from an outside institution was inflammatory uveitis (n = 35, 40.2%). When patients were split into four groups based on referral time, prior use of corticosteroids was associated with a significant delay in referral (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Diagnosing VRL continues to be challenging, as months-long delays from initial evaluation to expert referral center evaluation are common. Prior use of corticosteroids was associated with delay in diagnosis and referral time, underscoring the need to increase awareness regarding differences between VRL and uveitis.

Optical coherence tomography features in vitreoretinal lymphoma compared with non-infectious uveitis.

BACKGROUND: Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare intraocular malignancy that poses a diagnostic challenge due to the non-specific clinical presentation that resembles uveitis. The use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has emerged as a valuable imaging tool to characterize VRL. Therefore, we sought to determine the specific OCT features in VRL compared to the uveitides. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients who were seen at Mayo Clinic from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2022. The medical records and SD-OCT images at time of initial presentation were reviewed in patients with biopsy-proven VRL, intermediate uveitis, or biopsy-confirmed sarcoid posterior uveitis. Patients with VRL or similar uveitides including intermediate uveitis or sarcoid posterior uveitis were included. RESULTS: There were 95 eyes of 56 patients in the VRL group and 86 eyes of 45 patients in the uveitis group, of whom 15 (33.3%) were diagnosed with intermediate uveitis and 30 (66.7%) with sarcoid chorioretinitis. The SD-OCT features more commonly seen at initial presentation in VRL patients (vs. uveitis) included preretinal deposits (31.6% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.002), intraretinal infiltrates (34% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001), inner retinal hyperreflective spots (15.8% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), outer retinal atrophy (22.1% vs. 2.3%, p < 0.001), subretinal focal deposits (21.1% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.001), retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) changes (49.5% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001), and sub-RPE deposits (34.7% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Features more frequently seen in uveitis included epiretinal membrane (ERM) (82.6% vs. 44.2%, p < 0.001), central macular thickening (95.3% vs. 51.6%, p < 0.001), cystoid macular edema (36% vs. 11.7%, p < 0.001), subretinal fluid (16.3% vs 6.4%, p = 0.04), and subfoveal fluid (16.3% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.003). Multivariate regression analysis controlling for age and sex showed absence of ERM (OR 0.14 [0.04,0.41], p < 0.001) and absence of central macular thickening (OR 0.03 [0,0.15], p = 0.02) were associated with VRL as opposed to uveitis. CONCLUSION: OCT features most predictive of VRL (vs. uveitis) included absence of ERM and central macular thickening.

A Comparative Study of Large Language Models, Human Experts, and Expert-Edited Large Language Models to Neuro-Ophthalmology Questions.

BACKGROUND: While large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used in medicine, their effectiveness compared with human experts remains unclear. This study evaluates the quality and empathy of Expert + AI, human experts, and LLM responses in neuro-ophthalmology. METHODS: This randomized, masked, multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2023. We randomly assigned 21 neuro-ophthalmology questions to 13 experts. Each expert provided an answer and then edited a ChatGPT-4-generated response, timing both tasks. In addition, 5 LLMs (ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Claude 2, Bing, Bard) generated responses. Anonymized and randomized responses from Expert + AI, human experts, and LLMs were evaluated by the remaining 12 experts. The main outcome was the mean score for quality and empathy, rated on a 1-5 scale. RESULTS: Significant differences existed between response types for both quality and empathy (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001). For quality, Expert + AI (4.16 ± 0.81) performed the best, followed by GPT-4 (4.04 ± 0.92), GPT-3.5 (3.99 ± 0.87), Claude (3.6 ± 1.09), Expert (3.56 ± 1.01), Bard (3.5 ± 1.15), and Bing (3.04 ± 1.12). For empathy, Expert + AI (3.63 ± 0.87) had the highest score, followed by GPT-4 (3.6 ± 0.88), Bard (3.54 ± 0.89), GPT-3.5 (3.5 ± 0.83), Bing (3.27 ± 1.03), Expert (3.26 ± 1.08), and Claude (3.11 ± 0.78). For quality (P < 0.0001) and empathy (P = 0.002), Expert + AI performed better than Expert. Time taken for expert-created and expert-edited LLM responses was similar (P = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Expert-edited LLM responses had the highest expert-determined ratings of quality and empathy warranting further exploration of their potential benefits in clinical settings.

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyelid: Proposed Nomenclature for Multifocal and Multicentric Disease.

PURPOSE: To review clinical presentations of periocular sebaceous carcinoma (SC) and introduce standardized nomenclature for multicentric and multifocal disease presentation. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed/Medline search was conducted to identify all articles reporting periocular multicentric or multifocal SC presentations. The authors also highlight an additional case of SC presenting with 2 clinically distinct tumor foci and complete secondary invasion of the lacrimal gland. RESULTS: This review summarizes clinical presentations of periocular SC exhibiting discrete foci of microinvasion reported in the literature. Discrete microinvasion was associated with high rates of misdiagnosis (80%), simultaneous involvement of both upper and lower eyelids (80%), pagetoid spread (80%), multinodular growth (33%), local tumor spread (60%), previous eyelid manipulation (40%), and local recurrence (40%). Eyelid multifocality with clinically discrete nodules (42%) was associated with more advanced disease including orbital extension and regional invasion (80%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite previous reported associations with poorer outcomes, there is no consensus in the definition or nomenclature for discrete microinvasive or clinical disease presentations in periocular SC. The authors recommend defining multicentric disease as discrete foci of microinvasive tumor with basement membrane disruption and multifocal disease as discrete clinically evident nodules involving both the upper and lower eyelids. Differentiating between discrete microinvasive (multicentric) and clinically nodular (multifocal) disease may improve risk stratification to most accurately identify patients who require more aggressive management and surveillance.

Mutational Landscape and Outcomes of Conjunctival Melanoma in 101 Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate targetable mutations and molecular genetic pathways in conjunctival melanoma with clinical correlation. DESIGN: Observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with conjunctival melanoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mutational profile of the tumor by next-generation sequencing (NGS), alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and ATRX immunohistochemistry. Outcomes at 2 years and 5 years of tumor-related metastasis and death were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 101 patients, mean age at presentation was 60 years, 52% were male, and 88% were White. The NGS panels initially targeted BRAF only (n = 6, 6%), BRAF/NRAS (n = 17, 17%), and BRAF/NRAS/NF1 (n = 10, 10%). Sixty-eight tumors were tested with the expanded 592-gene panel. Next-generation sequencing identified high-frequency mutations in NF1 (29/74, 39%), BRAF (31/101, 31%), NRAS (25/95, 26%), and ATRX (17/68, 25%). Of those with an ATRX mutation, 12 (71%) had an additional NF1 mutation. A subset analysis of 21 melanomas showed that the ATRX mutation was associated with loss of ATRX protein expression and ALT. Loss of ATRX expression and ALT were present in both intraepithelial and invasive tumors, suggesting that an ATRX mutation is an early event in conjunctival melanoma progression. The NF1 and ATRX mutations were associated with tarsal (vs. nontarsal) tumors (NF1: 28% vs. 9%, P = 0.035, ATRX: 41% vs. 14%, P = 0.021) and orbital (vs. nonorbital) tumors (ATRX: 24% vs. 2%, P = 0.007). ATRXMUT (vs. ATRXWT) tumors were associated with a lower 2-year rate of metastasis (0% vs. 24%, P = 0.005). NRASMUT (vs. NRASWT) tumors were associated with a greater 2-year rate of metastasis (28% vs. 14%, P = 0.07) and death (16% vs. 4%, P = 0.04), with a 5-fold increased risk of death (relative risk, 5.45 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-26.71], P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the high frequency of previously documented BRAF and NRAS mutations and recently reported ATRX and NF1 mutations in conjunctival melanoma. An NRAS mutation implied increased risk for metastasis and death. Loss of ATRX and ALT may be early events in conjunctival melanoma development.

Imaging Findings of Pediatric Orbital Masses and Tumor Mimics.

Pediatric orbital masses are not common but encompass a wide spectrum of benign and malignant entities that range from developmental anomalies to primary and secondary orbital malignancies and metastatic disease. Certain orbital tumors are unique to pediatric patients, such as retinoblastoma and neuroblastoma. Clinical symptoms and signs are often insufficient to differentiate between orbital lesions, and imaging is essential for narrowing the diagnostic considerations and determining the most appropriate management strategy. MRI is the primary imaging modality for evaluating orbital masses in children, with US and CT playing complementary roles. The authors review a spectrum of masses and tumor mimics that affect the pediatric globe and orbit. The shared and differentiating characteristics of pediatric orbital lesions are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on utilizing an orbital compartment-based approach to narrow the differential diagnosis. By using this organizational scheme, the authors describe intraocular processes (retinoblastoma, persistent fetal vasculature, and Coats disease), intraconal lesions (lymphatic malformation, schwannoma, optic nerve sheath meningioma, and optic pathway glioma), extraconal lesions (infantile hemangioma, rhabdomyosarcoma, idiopathic orbital inflammation, lymphoma, venous varix, plexiform neurofibroma, and pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland), and lesions involving the bony orbit (dermoid cyst, metastatic neuroblastoma, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis). The authors describe the basic management of each entity. Orbital infections and traumatic lesions are beyond the scope of this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FINDINGS IN CHOROIDAL MELANOMA-ASSOCIATED SUBRETINAL FLUID.

PURPOSE: To report optical coherence tomography findings of choroidal melanoma with subretinal fluid (SRF). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective review of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in treatment-naive choroidal melanoma with associated SRF presenting between July 2009 and August 2021. RESULTS: Of 236 included patients, choroidal melanoma was small (n = 98, 41.5%), medium (n = 99, 41.9%), or large (n = 39, 16.5%). The most common optical coherence tomography feature was ellipsoid zone loss/disruption (n = 174, 73.7%), with unique features of bacillary layer detachment (n = 67, 28.4%), and heterogenous (n = 72, 30.5%) or homogenous (n = 48, 20.3%) subretinal hyperreflective material. Comparison (small vs. medium vs. large) revealed greater SRF extent with increasing tumor size (SRF ≥2 quadrants: 6.1% vs. 27.2% vs. 67.7%, P < 0.001). Ellipsoid zone disruption was less common in small tumors (52.0% vs. 86.9% vs. 94.9%, P < 0.001). Bacillary layer detachment was more common in medium tumors (16.3% vs. 40.4% vs. 28.2%, P < 0.001) and, compared with eyes without bacillary layer detachment, was associated with more SRF (minimal SRF vs. SRF ≥1 quadrant: likelihood ratio 18.8, P < 0.001) and more frequent heterogenous subretinal hyperreflective material (58.2% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography features of choroidal melanoma-associated SRF vary by tumor size, with greater SRF extent in larger tumors, less ellipsoid zone disruption in small tumors, and more bacillary layer detachment in medium tumors.

Postradiation Optic Atrophy Is Associated With Intraocular Pressure and May Manifest With Neuroretinal Rim Thinning.

BACKGROUND: To determine risk factors for postradiation optic atrophy (PROA) after plaque radiotherapy for uveal melanoma. METHODS: A single center, retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma involving choroid and/or ciliary body treated with plaque between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2016. Outcomes included development of PROA with pallor alone or with concomitant neuroretinal rim thinning (NRT). Cox regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for PROA. RESULTS: Of 78 plaque-irradiated patients, PROA developed in 41 (53%), with concomitant NRT in 15 (19%). Risk factors for PROA of any type included presentation with worse visual acuity (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 5.6 [2.3-14.1], P < 0.001), higher baseline intraocular pressure (IOP; 14 vs 16 mm Hg) (1.1 [1.0-1.2], P = 0.03), shorter tumor distance to optic disc (1.3 [1.2-1.5], P < 0.001) and foveola (1.2 [1.1-1.3], P < 0.001), subfoveal subretinal fluid (3.8 [2.0-7.1], P < 0.001), greater radiation prescription depth (1.3 [1.1-1.6], P = 0.002), dose to fovea (point dose) (1.01 [1.01-1.02], P < 0.001), and mean (1.02 [1.02-1.03], P < 0.001) and maximum dose to optic disc per 1 Gy increase (1.02 [1.01-1.03], P < 0.001). On multivariate modeling, dose to disc, baseline IOP, and subfoveal fluid remained significant. Subanalysis revealed risk factors for pallor with NRT of greater mean radiation dose to disc (1.03 [1.01-1.05], P = 0.003), higher maximum IOP (17 vs 20 mm Hg) (1.4 [1.2-1.7], P < 0.001), and subfoveal fluid (12 [2-63], P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: PROA may result in NRT in addition to optic disc pallor. Risk factors for PROA included higher radiation dose to optic disc, higher baseline IOP, and subfoveal fluid. Higher maximum IOP contributed to concomitant NRT.

Genetic Alterations in Melanocytoma Associated with Oculodermal Melanocytosis: Molecular Characteristics.

Melanocytoma is a benign tumor with histologic similarity to oculodermal melanocytosis, which can undergo malignant transformation in rare cases. Melanocytoma more commonly involves the optic disc, and few cases of orbital melanocytoma have been reported. Primary orbital melanoma is a rare malignancy known to arise from pigmentary conditions, although there is little information on this tumor arising from melanocytoma. The authors present a case of malignant transformation of orbital melanocytoma in the setting of ipsilateral oculodermal melanocytosis. This case illustrates histopathologic features associated with malignant transformation and highlights the significance of GNAQ, BAP1, and specific intrachromosomal alterations occurring in oculodermal melanocytosis and melanocytoma. The molecular markers observed in this case are of interest as they have overlap with those present in uveal melanoma. This case demonstrates a timeline of genetic and molecular alterations occurring in the malignant transformation of orbital melanocytoma.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of ocular adnexal mantle cell lymphoma.

PURPOSE: To compare characteristics of initial ocular adnexal (OA) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and initial systemic MCL. METHODS: Retrospective, comparative case series. Patients treated for MCL at Mayo Clinic from 1/1/1990 to 11/30/2020. MCL was classified as initial OA if first site was OA or initial systemic if first site was elsewhere with progression or recurrence to the OA region. OUTCOME MEASURES: Features, treatment, and survival. RESULTS: There were 50 patients with MCL, 23 initial OA and 27 initial systemic. Patients with initial OA MCL had more conjunctival (52% vs. 19%, p = .017) involvement and less frequently received chemotherapy plus autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) (9% vs. 33%, p = .046) as initial treatment. Complete remission was achieved in 41 (91% vs. 74%, p = .152) patients. Five-year disease-specific survival was similar in initial OA and initial systemic MCL (92% vs. 83%, p = .187). Subanalysis of patients with initial OA MCL revealed 9 (39%) patients developed tumor recurrence, with mean time to recurrence of 28 months. Comparison (no recurrence vs. recurrence) of initial OA MCL patients revealed those with no recurrence had shorter mean final follow-up (3.3 vs. 9.8 years, p = .005) and more frequent initial treatment with rituximab-based chemotherapy plus ASCT (43% vs. 0%, p = .048). Recurrence had no effect on the 5-year age-adjusted risk of death from lymphoma (HR 2.17, 95% CI 0.55-9.09, p = .266). CONCLUSIONS: Initial OA and initial systemic MCL patients differ in presentation and management but have similar survival.

Uveal melanoma: laboratory advances and new frontiers in patient care.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent advancements in the genetic understanding, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of uveal melanoma (UM). RECENT FINDINGS: UM is a molecularly distinct melanocytic malignancy driven by mutations in GNAQ or GNA11, with mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway upregulation. Earlier diagnosis and treatment are important factors for improving life prognosis. These goals can be aided by more objective multimodal imaging risk factors for the prediction of malignant nevus transformation and novel treatment strategies such as customized radiation fields and nanoparticle therapy to reduce vision-threatening treatment side effects. The risk for metastatic disease can be reliably predicted through gene expression profiling or the Cancer Genome Atlas project classification, and combined use of clinical tumor features with molecular data allows for highly individualized patient prognosis. Patients with high-risk UM should be considered for clinical trials of adjuvant therapy to prevent metastatic disease. For patients with clinically evident metastasis, combination immunotherapy regimens, T cell-based therapies, and focal adhesion kinase inhibitors offer hope for improved clinical response rates. SUMMARY: Improved understanding of UM molecular pathogenesis and clinical trials of targeted therapy for prevention and treatment of metastatic disease may improve patient survival for this challenging disease.

ASSOCIATION OF VITREORETINAL LYMPHOMA WITH SYSTEMIC LYMPHOMA.

PURPOSE: To determine the association between vitreoretinal lymphoma and systemic lymphoma (SL). METHODS: Single-center retrospective review of medical records. RESULTS: Of 95 patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma, 18 (19%) had associated SL (SL group) and 77 (81%) were not associated with SL (no SL group). The most common sites of SL were skin (n = 5), testis (n = 2), liver and breast (n = 2), and others (n = 9). A comparison (SL group vs. [vs.] no SL group) revealed no difference in demographic or ocular findings at initial visit. In the SL group, SL occurred before the onset of ocular symptoms in 14 (78%) patients with mean interval of 86 months (median 61, range 5-286 months) or after ocular symptoms in 4 (22%) patients with mean interval of 19 months (median 12, range 7-44 months). A comparison revealed no difference in overall frequency of pre-existing or eventual central nervous SL (50% vs. 53%, P = 0.99); however, the SL group demonstrated central nervous SL more often after onset of ocular symptoms (78% vs. 17%, P = 0.001). A comparison found no difference in treatment methods, response of vitreoretinal lymphoma to treatment, final visual outcome, or death rate. CONCLUSION: We found 19% of patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma demonstrate related SL, and there was no difference in demographics, clinical features, or response to treatment, compared to those not associated with SL.

SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FEATURES OF VITREORETINAL LYMPHOMA IN 55 EYES.

PURPOSE: To evaluate spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL). METHODS: Review of records and SD-OCT images of vitreoretinal lymphoma evaluated at Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital between July 1, 2000, and April 1, 2019. RESULTS: There were 55 eyes of 32 patients included. At presentation, SD-OCT features included vitreous opacities (n = 36, 65%), preretinal deposits (n = 7, 13%), intraretinal deposits (n = 8, 15%), subretinal deposits (n = 20, 36%), retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities (n = 35, 64%), and subretinal pigment epithelium deposits (n = 35, 64%). Of 36 eyes with observed tumor progression, comparison (initial visit vs. time of progression) revealed more intraretinal deposits (17% vs. 50%, P = 0.005) at progression. Of 15 eyes with tumor recurrence, comparison (initial visit vs. time of recurrence) revealed more intraretinal deposits (7% vs. 47%, P = 0.04) at recurrence. At last visit, 39 eyes demonstrated tumor regression. By comparison (initial presentation vs. regression), there were less frequent vitreous opacities (67% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), intraretinal deposits (15% vs. 0%, P = 0.03), subretinal deposits (36% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), and subretinal pigment epithelium deposits (69% vs. 21%, P < 0.001) at regression. CONCLUSION: Using SD-OCT in patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma, local tumor regression correlated with a reduction in vitreous opacities, intraretinal deposits, subretinal deposits, and subretinal pigment epithelium deposits. SD-OCT is useful in judging vitreoretinal lymphoma response to therapy.

Conversion Factor for B-Scan Ultrasound Measurement of Intraocular Tumors With and Without the Sclera.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between choroidal nevus and melanoma thickness measured with or without the sclera included by B-scan ultrasound and to present a simple conversion formula. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for choroidal nevus or melanoma evaluated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with B-scan ultrasound between February 4, 2004, and April 23, 2020. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for high-quality B-scan images in which the ultrasound transducer was perpendicular to the lesion, measuring the tumor thickness without the sclera included. Measurements were repeated with the sclera included for each patient. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors correlated with scleral thickness. RESULTS: There were 201 tumors included in the study, with a mean patient age ± SD of 61 ± 14 years, largest tumor basal diameter of 11.8 ± 4.8 mm, tumor thickness without the sclera included of 3.72 ± 2.7 mm, and thickness with the sclera included of 4.54 ± SD 2.8 mm. On the univariate analysis, factors associated with perceived scleral thickness by B-scan ultrasound included age (P < .001), tumor thickness (P < .001), and basal diameter (P = .06). On the multivariate analysis, factors associated with perceived scleral thickness included age and tumor thickness (P < .001) for all tumors and for the subset of 141 tumors with a thickness of 2 mm or greater (P < .001). For tumors of 2 mm or greater in thickness, perceived scleral thickness by ultrasound can be estimated by the formula 0.00495(patient age) + 0.02451(tumor thickness without the sclera) + 0.42549. CONCLUSIONS: We present a simple formula for converting between B-scan ultrasound measurements of choroidal nevus and melanoma measuring 2 mm or greater in thickness with and without the sclera included.

Characterization of uveal melanoma clinical trial design: a systematic review to establish an elusive standard of care.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no FDA or EMA-approved standard of care for metastatic uveal melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of all interventional uveal melanoma trials on the ClinicalTrials.gov database and EU Clinical Trials Register was conducted from January 15, 2019 through November 30, 2019. Categorical data analysis and descriptive statistics were generated. RESULTS: A total of 119 trials met inclusion criteria for this systematic review, of which 39 were active. Of all trials, 47% were NIH-funded while 59% of active trials were industry funded. Of all trials, 86% were concerned with treatment of metastasis, 7% with adjuvant therapy, and 8% with treatment of primary tumor. In trials treating metastasis, 62% reported response rates as their primary outcome measure. Non-randomized patient allocation to treatment arms was reported in 73% of trials, and 8% of trials were in phase 3. Pharmaceutical drugs were utilized by 69% of trials. Of the 6 negative randomized trials, all reported no significant effect from intervention compared to a control arm and were usually initiated on preclinical or early phase data. CONCLUSION: Given decreased NIH funding for uveal melanoma trials, clinicians should consider industry funding partnerships. Standardization of primary outcome measures between trials will also allow for statistical meta-analyses of results in this rare patient population. Finally, clinicians should use single arm studies to establish significant treatment response rates before proceeding with randomized trials.

PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR EXTRAFOVEOLAR CHOROIDAL OSTEOMA.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of extrafoveolar choroidal osteoma. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with choroidal osteoma that did not involve the foveola and were treated with standard-fluence PDT. RESULTS: Nine eyes with extrafoveolar choroidal osteoma were studied. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity at initial examination was 0.07 (Snellen ∼20/25). The osteoma was treated with 1 (8/9) or 2 (1/9) PDT sessions using 50 J/cm. After a mean follow-up of 49 months, the treated area of osteoma demonstrated complete (4/9) or partial (5/9) regression, with a mean of 73% regression in the PDT-treated areas. Tumor growth in the region of PDT was noted in 3 cases (3/9) (one tumor toward the foveola and two tumors at the margin away from the foveola), but in no case did the tumor reach the foveola. Therefore, PDT controlled tumor growth in 8 of 9 cases with only 1 of 9 cases showing growth through the PDT scar into foveola. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity at last follow-up was 0.04 (Snellen ∼20/20) (P = 0.59). CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy is an effective modality for the management of extrafoveolar choroidal osteoma, minimizing tumor growth toward the foveola and preserving visual acuity.

INCREASED INCIDENCE OF CUTANEOUS KERATINOCYTIC AND MELANOCYTIC MALIGNANCIES IN PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: The relationship between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and malignancy, especially cutaneous malignancies, is not well studied. We investigated a possible association between AMD and cutaneous malignancies. METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive review of all patients who had received at least 1 intravitreal injection for wet AMD between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013, was conducted using the Rochester Epidemiology Project in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Age- and sex-matched control groups included 473 pre-anti-vascular endothelial growth factor era wet AMD patients, 504 concurrent time dry AMD patients, and 504 patients with no AMD. The rates of AMD and overall malignancy, cutaneous malignancies, and specific types of cutaneous malignancies were compared between groups of patients. RESULTS: Patients with wet AMD incurred an increased rate of overall malignancies compared to patients with dry AMD {52.8% wet AMD (confidence interval [CI]: 48.3-57.2) vs. 43.7% dry AMD (CI: 39.3-48.1); P= 0.003} or those without AMD (52.8% wet AMD [CI: 48.3-57.2] vs. 35.3% no AMD [CI: 31.1-39.7]; P = <0.001). Patients with dry AMD also had higher rates of malignancy than those without AMD (43.7% dry AMD [CI: 39.3-48.1] vs. 35.3% no AMD [CI: 31.1-39.7]; P = 0.007). Rate of cutaneous malignancies was increased in patients with wet AMD compared to patients with dry AMD (24.4% wet AMD [CI: 20.7-28.4] vs. 14.6% dry AMD [CI: 11.5-17.9]; P = <0.001) and those with no AMD (24.4% wet AMD [CI: 20.7-28.4] vs. 9.7% no AMD [CI: 7.3-12.7]; P = <0.001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to establish an association between AMD and cutaneous malignancies, supporting a possible discussion of the association when a patient presents with one of the two conditions.

Impact of uveal melanoma thickness on post-plaque radiotherapy outcomes in the prophylactic anti-vascular endothelial growth factor era in 1131 patients.

IMPORTANCE: The impact of tumour thickness on radiation complications following plaque radiotherapy for uveal melanoma in the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) era remains unknown. BACKGROUND: To evaluate treatment outcomes following plaque radiotherapy and prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab for uveal melanoma based on initial tumour thickness. DESIGN: This was a retrospective, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with uveal melanoma were included in this study. METHODS: A review of medical records was conducted of patients with uveal melanoma treated with plaque radiotherapy and prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab from 7 July 2000 to 2 November 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Radiation-related outcomes of cystoid macular oedema (CME), radiation maculopathy, papillopathy, retinopathy, iris neovascularization (NVI) and neovascular glaucoma (NVG) were compared based on tumour thickness (small [<3.0 mm] vs medium [3.1-8.0 mm] vs large [>8.0 mm]). RESULTS: Of 1131 eyes, 341 (30%) had small, 633 (56%) medium and 157 (14%) large melanoma. Comparison (small vs medium vs large) at 4 years following radiotherapy revealed large melanoma with greater Kaplan-Meier estimated risk of CME (37% vs 37% vs 63%, P < .001), earlier onset of CME (33 vs 26 vs 19 months, P < .001) and greater development of NVI (<1% vs 2% vs 13%, P < .001) and NVG (1% vs 2% vs 12%, P < .001). Radiation-induced maculopathy, papillopathy and retinopathy were not associated with tumour thickness. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Compared with small and medium uveal melanoma, large uveal melanoma demonstrated greater 48-month risk for CME, shorter time to CME onset and greater development of NVI and NVG following plaque radiotherapy and prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab.