Choroidal melanoma: natural history and management options

Abstract

Background: Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary malignancy of the eye. Enucleation has been the mainstay of treatment, but new and more effective options have recently been proposed as eye- and vision-sparing alternatives.

Methods: We reviewed the medical literature for trials and case reports involving the evolution, current uses, and limitations of alternatives to enucleation for treating choroidal melanoma.

Results: Options to treat choroidal melanomas depend on the location and size of the tumor and goals of therapy. Local control with plaque radiotherapy has provided overall survival comparable to enucleation. Transscleral resection may leave behind potentially viable melanoma cells following surgery; adjuvant brachytherapy is recommended to irradiate remaining tumor cells. Elevating tissue temperature potentiates the effect of ionizing radiation, thus reducing the dose of radiation needed to treat uveal melanoma. Transpupillary thermotherapy has been effective only in select circumstances, and long-term results have shown poorer local control rates and similar visual outcomes compared with other conservative treatment methods.

Conclusions: Treatment therapies for choroidal melanoma warrant further study. Currently, enucleation remains as effective as the eye- and vision-sparing approaches.