Influence of Post-radiation Ocular Surface Disorder on Ocular Surgery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Ocular surface disorder after ocular radiation therapy, even though commonly reported, is often overlooked. Any delay in diagnosis may lead to complications that threaten vision. The presented case highlights the clinical outcome of a severe post-radiation disorder of the ocular surface, the importance of intensive therapy, and the limitations of further surgical interventions. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old woman was referred for a second opinion due to a years-long history of pain and redness in her right eye (OD) after proton beam therapy for recurrent iris melanoma. The patient then developed post-radiation retinopathy with macula edema, secondary glaucoma, cataract, as well as a severe ocular surface disorder with corneal decompensation and band keratopathy. Several surgical treatments have been attempted, including phacoemulsification with IOL implantation and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. Due to refractory glaucoma, Baerveldt glaucoma drainage was then necessary. Given the worsening clinical presentation of post-radiation ocular surface disorder with progressing band keratopathy, the possibility of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was discussed. CONCLUSION: The continuous worsening of clinical symptoms of the disorder of the ocular surface after proton beam radiotherapy can be the result of a post-radiation syndrome. Gradual expansion of ischemia, vasculitis, and inflammatory mediators compresses the retinal tissue, leading to recurrent macular edema as well as to secondary glaucoma and corneal decompensation. Band keratopathy is occasionally noted and seems to result from severe post-radiation disorder of the ocular surface. However, PKP would typically be indicated in cases of corneal perforation, uncontrolled infectious keratitis, or for improving vision in the presence of corneal opacification, none of which applied to our patient. Furthermore, post-radiation keratopathy implies compromised corneal stromal lymphogenesis and angiogenesis, both of which are now considered essential conditions for allograft rejection. Moreover, a previously performed Baerveldt glaucoma drainage surgery can affect the survival rate of the endothelial cells of the recipient cornea. Therefore, a penetrating or endothelial keratoplasty should be viewed as a high-risk procedure. In this instance, the rigorous treatment of the severe ocular surface disorder was crucial. We managed our patient's complex situation by following the latest guidelines set by the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society and aimed to alleviate the symptoms as effectively as possible. In conclusion, careful decision-making regarding surgical treatment options should be considered, taking into account the complexities and potential risks involved.

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

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To report clinical outcomes of modified Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study IRIS (COMS IRIS) plaques for treatment of iris, iridociliary, and ciliary body melanoma. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Retrospective, single-centre cohort study of iris melanoma treated with COMS IRIS plaque radiotherapy from July 26, 2010 to October 15, 2018. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, tumour features, treatment parameters, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: There were 22 cases, diagnosed at mean age of 59 years (median 65, range 21-85 years) with female sex in 14 (64%). Presenting tumour features included Snellen visual acuity (VA) ≥ 20/40 in 18 (82%) cases, mean largest tumour basal diameter 4.7 mm (median 3.9, range 2.3-13.8 mm) and thickness 1.7 mm (median 1.6 mm, range 0.8-3.9 mm), iris stromal seeding in 3 (14%) cases, angle seeding in 16 (73%), and ciliary body involvement in 13 (59%). After mean follow-up of 51 months (median 44, range 4-113 months), Snellen VA was ≥20/40 in 14 (64%) cases, with local tumour recurrence in 2 (9%), and enucleation in 2 (9%). The 3-year Kaplan-Meier estimated risk of local tumour recurrence was 7%. The most common radiation side effects were cataract in 17 (77%) patients and dry eye in 5 (23%). Systemic metastasis occurred in no cases, and 1 (5%) non-melanoma-related death due to natural causes was observed at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: COMS IRIS plaques are effective for treatment of iris, iridociliary, and ciliary body melanoma with modest VA outcomes and low frequency of local tumour recurrence, enucleation, radiation side effects, and systemic metastasis.

A Case of Metastatic Iris Tumor Observed With Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Before and After Radiation Therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Metastatic iris tumors are relatively rare entities that are often treated with radiation therapy; however, it remains difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) provides high-resolution cross-sectional images with no dye injection, and may thus be useful for evaluating iris tumors. Herein, we report a case of metastatic iris tumor examined with AS-OCT before and after radiation therapy. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old Japanese woman complained of ocular hyperemia and pain in her right eye, and was referred to our hospital because of uveitis and an iris mass. One year before the initial visit, the patient was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, and treated with chemotherapy. She also underwent radiation therapy 4 months ago due to multiple bone metastases. Slit-lamp microscopy revealed a 2×2 mm elevated lesion with partial depigmentation on the lower iris. AS-OCT examination revealed that the mass was located in the iris stroma with an irregular anterior surface. Based on fine needle aspiration cytology, she was diagnosed with metastatic iris tumor derived from lung adenocarcinoma, leading to local radiotherapy. Seven months later, AS-OCT showed shrinkage and atrophy of the iris tumor with peripheral anterior synechia formation. CONCLUSION: We report a case of cytology-proven metastatic iris tumor observed with AS-OCT before and after radiation therapy. This study highlights the potential usefulness of AS-OCT for monitoring changes in tumor size and configuration following radiotherapy.

Molecular profiling of vitreous fluid by massively parallel sequencing: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: In cases of suspected intraocular malignancy, vitreous may be the preferred pathologic sample; however, cellularity may be insufficient for definitive cytopathological diagnosis. Ancillary methodology to study vitreous fluid aspiration for mutational analysis may assist in treatment decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three individual patient vitreous humor samples were received in the laboratory for mutation testing. The samples were collected during standard of care and analyzed for routine cytopathology. In each case, cytopathology was inconclusive and mutational analyses to support diagnostic suspicions were clinically requested. Based on the clinically and pathologically suspected diagnoses, an appropriate massively parallel sequencing assay previously validated for clinical use was performed using DNA extracted from vitreous samples that had previously undergone various processing. Nucleic acid yield was assessed by fluorometric or spectrophotometric methods, with yield ranging from 2.7 to 86.5 ng. Library preparations were performed using standard laboratory protocols. RESULTS: Two of the cases were suspicious for melanoma and a 50-gene solid tumor panel was performed. The third case was worrisome for vitreoretinal lymphoma and a 49-gene myeloid panel was performed. CONCLUSIONS: In all cases, the molecular profiling assisted with the clinical assessment and/or management of each patient.

Ciliary Body and Iris Metastases With Anterior Chamber Angle Infiltration: A Rare Complication From Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer.

A 54-year-old woman who presented with photopsia was found to have elevated intraocular pressure in both eyes and optic disc cupping in the right eye. Angle infiltration was noted on gonioscopy. She was previously been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. This case report describes a rare case of glaucoma as a complication of ciliary body and iris metastases secondary to invasive ductal breast cancer.

Conservative management of suspicious melanocytic lesions of the iris.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of iris melanoma can be difficult, with no established diagnostic criteria currently available. Careful monitoring of patients with suspicious iris lesions is one approach to managing these tumors. We determined the risk of malignant transformation and melanoma-related mortality in patients under observation to evaluate the validity of this management approach. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients with suspicious iris lesions diagnosed at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEE) between 1975 and 2014. All patients with an initial diagnosis of suspicious iris lesion followed and/or treated after malignant transformation at the MEE in this 39-year period were included in the cohort. Rates of malignant transformation and melanoma-related mortality were calculated. Treatment outcomes after proton beam irradiation were evaluated in patients who developed iris melanomas during observation. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-four patients had a diagnosis of suspicious iris lesion (median follow-up, 5.8 years). Malignant transformation occurred in 16 (6.8%) patients with suspicious lesions during the observation period (median follow-up, 9.9 years). All patients diagnosed with iris melanomas were treated with proton beam irradiation (PBI). Complications after treatment included cataract (18.8%), secondary glaucoma (6.3%), and neovascular glaucoma (12.5%). Two of 16 patients (12.5%) who developed iris melanomas died of metastatic melanoma 32.6 months and 10 years after treatment with PBI. Both cases had been followed regularly to monitor for malignant transformation of their suspicious lesions (8.2 years and 3.2 years before melanoma diagnosis, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that suspicious iris lesions have low malignant potential, and a conservative approach to the management of these lesions is appropriate. Survival does not appear to be compromised with an observational approach, and there is potential for preservation of good visual function because vision-threatening treatments can be avoided.

Plaque Radiotherapy for Medulloepithelioma in 6 Cases From a Single Center.

PURPOSE: To describe outcomes of 6 patients treated with plaque radiotherapy for medulloepithelioma. DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: Computerized medical records were reviewed for patients with cytopathologically confirmed medulloepithelioma and treated with plaque radiotherapy from January 1970 to December 2017. Clinical and radiotherapy parameters along with outcomes of tumor regression, globe salvage, and metastatic disease were recorded. RESULTS: Of 6 patients with medulloepithelioma, plaque radiotherapy was primary (n = 5) or secondary (n = 1) treatment. The median patient age at diagnosis was 41 months (mean, 145; range, 10-624 months). Patient demographics included white race (n = 6) and female sex (n = 5). Patients presented with strabismus (n = 1), decreased vision (n = 1), ocular pain (n = 1), hyphema (n = 1), corectopia (n = 1), and visible iris lesion (n = 1). The mean tumor basal diameter was 11.2 mm (median, 10.0; range, 7.0-16.0 mm), and mean tumor thickness was 6.8 mm (median, 6.4; range, 3.1-11.0 mm). Related findings included cataract (n = 2), iris neovascularization (n = 5), secondary glaucoma (n = 2), and ectropion uveae (n = 2). The mean radiation dose to tumor apex was 44 Gy (median, 38; range, 35-70 Gy). At a mean follow-up of 59 months (range, 12-210 months), tumor control was achieved in 5 eyes (83%) with globe salvage in 4 eyes (67%). No patient had evidence of metastases or death at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Plaque radiotherapy is a reasonable alternative treatment for localized, small- to medium-size medulloepithelioma. Tumors larger than 11.0 mm, with retrolental cyclitic membrane or extrascelral extension, might still require enucleation.

Secondary Glaucoma due to Iridescent Crystalline Particles Masquerading as Refractory Hypertensive Uveitis in an Eye With Irradiated Iris Melanoma.

PURPOSE: We report a previously unrecognized mechanism of secondary glaucoma due to iridescent crystalline particles released from an irradiated iris melanoma. It masqueraded as refractory hypertensive uveitis following uncomplicated phacoemulsification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 58-year-old gentleman had an iris melanoma that underwent successful regression following irradiation with proton beam radiotherapy. Three years later an uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implant was performed and subsequently the patient presented with apparently "refractory hypertensive uveitis." Closer examination identified unique iridescent crystalline particles originating from a disintegrating tumor and dispersing within the anterior chamber and drainage angle. The patient developed a unilateral secondary open-angle glaucoma attributable to these particles. Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the anterior segment confirmed absence of tumor recurrence or intrascleral spread and systemic investigations ruled out distant metastases. RESULTS: The intraocular pressure was refractory to maximal medical treatment, but was eventually controlled with trans-scleral diode laser cyclo-photocoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a secondary glaucoma attributable to trabecular blockage with iridescent crystalline particulate material released from a disintegrating, previously irradiated, iris melanoma. Proton beam radiotherapy and possibly phacoemulsification may have played a role in triggering the release of these previously undescribed particles from the atrophied tumor surface. This unique mechanism of secondary glaucoma needs to be kept in mind in such rare cases. Trans-scleral cyclodiode laser may be used as a good initial option in such cases to minimize potential risk of tumor seeding with incisional glaucoma surgery.

Salvage proton beam therapy for recurrent iris melanoma: outcome and side effects.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the effect of salvage proton beam therapy for the treatment of recurrent iris melanoma. METHOD: In this clinical case series, we retrospectively analyzed the data of eight patients who underwent proton beam therapy of the whole anterior segment as salvage therapy between 2000 and 2016 for recurrent iris melanoma after resection, ruthenium brachytherapy, or sector proton beam therapy. Two patients received salvage proton beam therapy for repeated tumor relapse. All patients were observed and prepared for proton beam therapy at the Charité and irradiated at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin where they received 50 cobalt Gray equivalents (CGE) in four daily fractions. We investigated survival rates and ocular outcome. RESULTS: Median follow-up after salvage proton beam therapy was 39 months. No local recurrence was detected during follow-up. One patient died from hepatic metastases 5.5 years after salvage therapy. Secondary glaucoma occurred in seven out of eight patients during follow-up. Two patients had chronic corneal erosion and two other patients presented with corneal decompensation, necessitating Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), and perforating keratoplasty. Median visual acuity was 0.2 logMAR before salvage proton beam therapy and 0.7 logMAR at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Whole anterior segment salvage proton beam therapy has effectively controlled recurrent iris melanoma in our patients, but has been associated with a high incidence of radiation-induced corneal impairment and secondary glaucoma requiring extensive secondary treatment.

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

PURPOSE: To analyse long-term outcomes of ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy for the treatment of iris melanoma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 19 consecutive patients with pure iris melanoma treated with 106Ru plaque brachytherapy between 1998 and 2016 at the Scottish Ophthalmic Oncology Service, Glasgow. The iris melanoma was treated with a ruthenium plaque placed on the corneal surface to deliver a surface dose of 555 Gy. We analysed vision preservation, local tumour control, radiation-related complications, eye retention rates, symptomatic metastasis and melanoma-related mortality. RESULTS: The mean largest basal diameter of the lesions was 3.50±1.42 mm (range 1.6-6.5 mm), and the mean maximum height was 1.47±0.65 mm (range 0.7-2.8 mm). The tumour control and eye retention were 100% at a mean follow-up of 62 months (range 6-195 months). A 62% reduction in tumour height was observed on ultrasonography. Complications included cataract (68%), dry eye (47%), uveitis (37%) and scleral thinning (5%). At the final follow-up visit, the mean loss of Snellen visual acuity was 1.11±2.90 lines and vision of 6/9 or better was maintained in 53% of patients. None of the patients had evidence of symptomatic metastasis (non-imaged) or melanoma-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: 106Ru plaque treatment for iris melanoma was highly effective a high tumour control, no tumour recurrences and a relatively a low complication rate.

Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy for iris and iridociliary melanomas.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate ruthenium-106 (Ru106) brachytherapy as eye-conserving treatment of iris melanomas (IMs) and iridociliary melanomas (ICMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight patients received Ru106 brachytherapy between 2006 and 2016. Primary outcome was local control, and secondary outcomes were metastasis, survival, eye preservation, complications and visual acuity (VA). RESULTS: Overall median follow-up was 36 months. Of 88 patients, 58 (65.9%) had IM and 30 (34.1%) had ICM. ICM were on average larger and more advanced than IM. Local failure-free survival at 3years was 98.9% (SE 1.2%). Metastasis-free survival was 98.2% (SE 1.8%) at 3years; no deaths due to melanoma occurred during follow-up. Eye preservation rate was 97.7%. Treatment-related toxicities were mostly mild and observed in 80.7% of the patients. Common toxicities were worsening of pre-existing or new cataract (51.1%), dry eyes (29.5%) and glaucoma (20.5%). VA was not affected by Ru106 brachytherapy, with only 2.3% having VA <0.33 (low vision) at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ru106 for IM and ICM yielded excellent local control (98.9%) and eye preservation (97.7%). Toxicities were common, but mostly mild and transient. Moreover, Ru106 did not affect visual acuity.

Proton Beam Therapy for Iris Melanomas in 107 Patients.

PURPOSE: To report on the clinical characteristics and outcomes for patients with iris melanoma using proton therapy. DESIGN: Retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seven patients with iris melanoma from 3 regional ophthalmologic centers. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted for iris melanoma patients from 3 regional ophthalmologic centers referred to and treated at a single proton therapy facility between 1996 and 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At each follow-up visit, examinations included measurement of best-corrected VA, slit-lamp, examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and ultrasound biomicroscopy. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 49.5 months, 5 of 107 patients experienced a local relapse within a median of 36.3 months. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 7.5% at 5 years. All 5 patients showed involvement of the iridocorneal angle (P = 0.056). Diffuse iris melanoma showed a higher risk of relapse (P = 0.044). Four patients showed out-of-field relapse and 1 showed angular relapse. Three patients were retreated with proton therapy, whereas 2 other patients, one with T1b disease and another with diffuse T3 disease, underwent secondary enucleation. None of the patients experienced metastases nor died of iris melanoma. Vision improved in 59.4% of patients (n = 60/101). However, cataracts occurred in 57.4% of the 54 patients (n = 31) without cataract or implant at diagnosis. Secondary glaucoma was reported in 7.6% of the patients (n = 8), uveitis in 4.7% (n = 5), and hyphema in 3.7% (n = 4). All but 5 cases of complications were mild, transient, and not sight limiting after treatment. Five cases of glaucoma, including 1 with uveitis, were severe and associated with visual deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: Proton therapy showed efficacy and limited morbidity in iris melanomas.

Multifocal iris melanoma in a 2-year-old managed with I-125 plaque brachytherapy.

We report a 23-month-old patient presenting with multifocal iris melanoma who underwent plaque brachytherapy with full corneal coverage. The lesion demonstrated several high-risk clinical and histopathologic features associated with iris melanoma in adults, including growth and angle seeding. The patient has been subsequently followed for 3.5 years with no evidence of recurrence. This report demonstrates the importance of serial examination of suspected melanocytic iris lesions in very young children and the effective treatment option of globe-sparing radiation therapy.

Malignant transformation of multifocal tapioca iris nevus in a child.

A 31-month-old white boy was evaluated for multiple iris lesions in his left eye, initially suspected to be juvenile xanthogranuloma and later diagnosed as tapioca nevi. Four years later the tumors enlarged. There was invasion throughout the anterior segment into the angle and related secondary elevation in intraocular pressure. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy disclosed spindle-B melanoma. Treatment with custom-designed iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy resulted in tumor regression and stabilization of intraocular pressure.

Proton therapy of iris melanoma with 50 CGE : Influence of target volume on clinical outcome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate local tumour control, incidence of radiation-induced glaucoma and associated interventions of sector-based and whole anterior segment proton beam therapy (PBT) for the treatment of iris melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the data of 77 patients with iris melanoma who underwent PBT applied as 50 CGE in four daily fractions. Of the patients, 47 received PBT with a circular-shaped collimator and 30 with a conformal sector-shaped target volume. Local control, eye preservation and secondary glaucoma were evaluated. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 54.9 months. Local tumour control was 100% in patients receiving whole anterior segment irradiation. Two patients developed pigment dispersion in the non-irradiated area after sector-based PBT and received whole anterior segment salvage PBT. The mean volume of ciliary body irradiated was 89.0% and 34.9% for whole anterior segment and lesion-based irradiation, respectively. At the end of follow-up, secondary glaucoma was found in 74.3% of the patients with whole anterior segment irradiation and in 19.2% with sector-based irradiation. Patients with sector-based PBT had a stable visual acuity of logMAR 0.1, while it declined from logMAR 0.1 to 0.4 after whole anterior segment irradiation. CONCLUSION: We found a significant reduction in radiation-induced secondary glaucoma and glaucoma-associated surgical interventions and stable visual acuity after sector-based irradiation compared with whole anterior segment irradiation. Sector-based irradiation revealed a higher risk for local recurrence, but selected patients with well-circumscribed iris melanoma benefit from applying a lesion-based target volume when treated with sector-based PBT.

Solitary Iris Plasmacytoma With Anterior Chamber Crystalline Deposits.

PURPOSE: To report a case of solitary iris plasmacytoma successfully treated with ruthenium plaque radiotherapy. METHODS: A 44-year-old white woman presented with pain in the right eye and raised intraocular pressure. Her medical history included breast cancer treated 11 years earlier with lumpectomy, lymph node clearance, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. On examination, the right iris had a tan-colored mass with crystalline deposits visible on the mass surface and on the corneal endothelium. The fundus and left eye were normal. An anterior segment ultrasound scan showed a mass with mixed internal echogenicity and internal blood flow. RESULTS: An iris biopsy showed an infiltrate of plasma cells. Immunohistochemistry for kappa and lambda light chains demonstrated lambda light chain restriction. Systemic hematologic investigations including complete blood count, serum paraproteins, bone marrow biopsy, and full-body magnetic resonance image were normal. The monoclonal plasma cell infiltrate was consistent with a solitary iris plasmacytoma. The mass was treated with ruthenium plaque radiotherapy. After 4 years of follow-up, the mass remained regressed, and no systemic myeloma has developed. CONCLUSIONS: Iris plasmacytoma is rare and should prompt systemic evaluation to rule out multiple myeloma. Solitary iris plasmacytoma can be successfully treated with plaque radiotherapy.

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

PURPOSE: To evaluate the patterns of regression of iris melanoma after treatment with palladium-103 (103Pd) plaque brachytherapy. DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients with primary malignant melanoma of the iris. METHODS: Palladium-103 plaque brachytherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in tumor size, pigmentation, and vascularity; incidence of iris neovascularization; and radiation-related complications. RESULTS: The mean age in the case series was 61.2±14.9 years. The mean tumor thickness was 1.4±0.6 mm. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer, eighth edition, staging criteria for iris melanoma, 21 tumors (42%) were T1a, 5 tumors (10%) were T1b, and 24 tumors (48%) were T2a. The tumor was melanotic in 37 cases (74%) and amelanotic in 13 cases (26%); of these, 13 tumors (26%) showed variable pigmentation. After brachytherapy, mean tumor thickness decreased to 0.9±0.2 mm. Pigmentation increased in 32 tumors (64%), decreased in 11 tumors (22%), and was unchanged in 6 tumors (12%). For intrinsic vascularity (n = 19), 12 tumors (63%) showed decrease and 7 tumors (37%) showed complete resolution. Appearance of ectropion uveae showed diminution in 15 tumors (43%); newly present corectopia was observed in 6 patients (12%). On high-frequency ultrasound imaging, of the 42 tumors (84%) with low to moderate internal reflectivity, 30 tumors (60%) showed an increase in internal reflectivity on regression. Iris stromal atrophy was noted in 26 patients (52%), progression or new-onset cataract was noted in 22 patients (44%), neovascular glaucoma was noted in 1 patient (2%), and there were no cases of corneal opacity. There was no clinical evidence (0%) of radiation-induced retinopathy, maculopathy, or optic neuropathy. Mean follow-up in this series was 5.2 years (range, 0.5-17 years). CONCLUSIONS: The most common findings related to iris melanoma regression after 103Pd plaque brachytherapy included decreased intrinsic tumor vascularity, increased tumor pigmentation, and decreased tumor thickness with synchronous increase in internal ultrasonographic reflectivity. No irreversible sight-limiting complications were noted.

Radiotherapeutic and surgical management of iris melanoma: A review.

We compare outcomes following radiotherapeutic and surgical management of iris melanoma. End points included local tumor recurrence, metastases, and common complications. From an initial search that yielded 231 articles, we found 17 relevant studies with 761 eyes. The gender distribution was balanced with a mean age of 52 years. Most studies focused on either proton beam (49.4%) or plaque (31.4%) radiotherapy. Rates of local recurrence (range: 0%-8%) and metastatic development (0%-5%) were favorable following radiotherapy; however, common complications included cataract (36%-73%), glaucoma (3%-92%), and corneal conditions (0%-33%). A unique complication of proton beam radiotherapy was limbal stem cell deficiency (2%-33%). In contrast, iridectomy and comparable procedures showed similar rates of recurrence (0%-8%) and metastases (0% in one study), lower rates of postoperative cataract (0%-33%) and corneal conditions (2.3% in one study), and a greater incidence of photophobia (9%-25%). Following enucleation, one study of mostly advanced eyes demonstrated a higher rate of metastases (14%). Overall, despite a paucity of research in this setting, efficacy and safety outcomes remain favorable. Decision-making for management should be based on tumor size, location, angle seeding, secondary glaucoma, visual potential, and patient preference.