Evaluation of a short-term topical interferon α-2b treatment for histologically proven melanoma and primary acquired melanosis with atypia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of series of 6-week treatments with brief intervals (6-week = 1 cycle) of topical Interferon α-2b (IFNα-2b) treatment in primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia and melanoma of the conjunctiva. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients with biopsy-proven PAM with atypia and seven patients with melanoma of the conjunctiva, treated with topical IFNα-2b (1 million units/ml, 5 times daily), were included in the study. All patients had colour photographs and the tumour area was measured manually for each patient before and after treatment. RESULTS: The median age of 12 patients at initiation of treatment was 61.5 years (range 39-75 years). The mean therapy duration was 2.4 cycles (range 1-6 cycle). Compared to pretreatment lesion dimension, the mean decrease in tumour size were after the first cycle 66% (range 18-98%; p = 0.004; n = 10 patients), after the second cycle 55% (range 10-100%; p = 0.016; n = 7 patients), and after the third cycle 74% (range 23-100%; n = 3 patients). In one patient 6 cycles of topical IFNα-2b were needed. The decrease in size was 22% after the 4(th) cycle, 34% after the 5(th) cycle, and 98% after the 6(th) cycle. CONCLUSION: Our clinical experience demonstrates promising results of topical IFNα-2b treatment for PAM with atypia and melanoma of the conjunctiva without any local or systemic side effects. However, future multicenter prospective studies are recommended to confirm the efficiency and safety of topical IFNα-2b treatment.

Spontaneous regression of a conjunctival malignant melanoma.

INTRODUCTION: Conjunctival malignant melanoma (MM) is a rare malignancy and accounts for 2% of all ocular malignancies. We describe what we believe to be the first reported case of complete spontaneous regression of a conjunctival malignant melanoma. METHODS: A 75-year-old female presented with a large, pigmented lesion in her left lower fornix. Histopathology revealed a mixed cell type MM. The tumour regressed spontaneously. Now, 6 years after she first presented, she remains well and there is no sign of recurrence or metastasis. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous regression is not always synonymous with complete cure from the underlying disease but may represent a temporary regression due to host protective mechanisms. In our patient regression and cure were complete.

The Epidemiology and Survival Outcomes of Adult Conjunctival Malignancies in Germany: A Decade-Long Population-Based Analysis (2009-2019).

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological patterns, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes of conjunctival malignancies in Germany between 2009 and 2019. METHODS: A total of 1,532 cases were analyzed, with the crude incidence rate calculated. The survival rates were investigated using life tables and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate was 1.7 per million. Incidence rates varied across age groups, peaking in the 75+ age group. Carcinomas (43%), melanomas (30%), and lymphomas (20%), were the most prevalent malignancies. Of the total cases with reported treatment, surgical intervention was undertaken in 64.5% of the patients. The 5-year overall survival rates were 90.4% for lymphomas, 73.8% for melanomas, and 72.9% for carcinomas. Age at diagnosis emerged as a significant prognostic factor in the Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first population-based incidence data on conjunctival malignancies in Germany, noting a generally low incidence with survival rates comparable to other regions. The findings underscore the importance of consistent reporting and further research into risk factors for a deeper understanding of these malignancies. The study calls for improved reporting systems and further investigations into genetic factors and targeted prevention strategies for high-risk groups.

[Hordeolum and chalazion : (Differential) diagnosis and treatment]. / Hordeolum und Chalazion : (Differenzial­)Diagnose und Therapie.

Hordeolum and chalazion are the most frequent inflammatory eyelid tumors. They can occur in association with underlying diseases causing Meibomian gland dysfunction and/or chronic blepharitis. Due to the typical morphological features and clinical course, the diagnosis can mostly be clinically established. The majority of these lesions resolve spontaneously over time. In some instances, surgical intervention is unavoidable. In persistent, recurrent or clinically atypical cases malignant tumors must be excluded as a differential diagnosis by excisional biopsy and histopathological assessment.

Combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for imaging of orbital tumours and tumours extending into the orbit.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and radiological performance of combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with secondary and primary intraorbital tumours. METHODS: 14 adults with secondary and 1 child with primary orbital masses underwent combined whole-body PET/CT. Radiopharmaceutical tracers applied were (18F)-fluorodeoxyglucose, (18F)-fluoroethylcholine (FEC) and (68Ga)-DOTATATE. Histopathology and/or all conventional radiographic work-up and clinical course served as standard of reference. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis. RESULTS: PET/CT detected all orbital masses. All 15 patients had malignant disease. Local osseous infiltration was correctly identified in 11 patients. Lymph node metastases were present in two of eight patients (25%) with haematogenous orbital metastases and in five of six patients (83%) with infiltrative carcinoma (p=0.05). Further distant metastases were present in all eight patients suffering from orbital metastases, but only one patient with infiltrative carcinoma (17%) presented with disseminated disease (p=0.003). In one metastasis, PET/CT excluded vital orbital tumour tissue after radiation therapy. Local recurrence was detected in another patient suffering from prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: PET/CT is a sensitive tool for the detection and localisation of orbital masses, enabling assessment of both morphology and cell metabolism. Detailed imaging of the head and neck region with a small field-of-view should be performed when suspecting lymphatic metastases. As metastatic disease to the orbit is associated with advanced disease, focus should be laid on whole-body imaging for staging of these patients. Different radiopharmaceutical tracers can be applied to distinguish the origin of orbital metastases.

Dual platelet inhibition in cases of severe retrobulbar hemorrhage following retrobulbar and peribulbar anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of dual platelet inhibition in cases of severe retrobulbar hemorrhage following retrobulbar and peribulbar anesthesia. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilans Universität, München, Germany. DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Two groups of patients were screened retrospectively over a 5-year period for the inclusion criterion of severe retrobulbar hematoma after retrobulbar or parabulbar injection. The first group consisted of emergency cases referred to the clinic. A second group of patients had received retrobulbar block at the hospital. All cases were collected and screened for the presence of antiplatelet therapy. RESULTS: Among roughly 160 000 patient records screened, 3 patients with grade IV retrobulbar hematoma were identified. Two of these patients were taking dual antiplatelet medications and 2 were on anticoagulation therapy during the time of retrobulbar or peribulbar anesthesia. None of the cases showed single medication platelet inhibition. The visual acuity of all patients stayed low at the 6-month follow-up (1.2 logMAR in 1 patient and no light perception in 2 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Retrobulbar hematoma is a rare but severe complication of retrobulbar anesthesia. With the high prevalence of dual platelet inhibition found in these cases, a prospective controlled trial seems unethical. In these high-risk patients, surgery should be performed under topical anesthesia if possible or general anesthesia if necessary. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.