[Late metastasis development in two cases of small choroidal melanoma]. / Neskorý rozvoj metastáz u pacientov s malým melanómom choroidey - 2 kazuistiky.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To present data pointing out that small tumour size might not be a sufficient predictor of good prognosis of choroidal melanoma and present a new promising therapy of hepatic metastasis. METHODS: Retrospective, noncomparative case report of two patients with small choroidal melanoma. RESULTS: Two cases of small choroidal melanoma which developed metastases are described. Both patients underwent radiotherapy of the primary tumour. Metastases were treated by combined therapy in patient 1 while in patient 2 a new therapeutic modality of stereotactic radiotherapy, Cyberknife, was applied. Patient 1 died from metastatic spread 7,6 years after primary therapy despite a very good local tumour control. Patient 2 died 11,3 years after primary therapy due to intercurrent disease with a very good local eye findings and hepatic metastasis in regression. CONCLUSION: Choroidal melanoma of a small size can develop into metastatic disease even long time after satisfactory primary treatment. Further studies are required to assess the risk factors of metastatic spread in small uveal melanomas. Cyberknife stereotactic radiotherapy seems to be a promising therapeutic method of a solitary hepatic metastasis. Key words choroidal melanoma, metastasis, prognostic factors, stereotactic radiotherapy.