[Research progress in primary intraocular lymphoma]

Abstract

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a rare and fatal ocular malignancy. The diagnosis and treatment of PIOL is usually challenging as it often masquerades as uveitis. PIOL demonstrates characteristic features on fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). These methods although not as a basis for diagnosis of PIOL, but can be used as the evaluation of PIOL progress and prognosis. Eye tissue biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of PIOL. The methods to obtain ocular fluid include anterior chamber paracentesis, fine needle aspiration biopsies of the vitreous and diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy. Cytology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cytokine analysis and molecular pathology are often used in combination to improve the diagnosis rate of PIOL. While current management of PIOL mainly involves local intraocular chemotherapy, combination therapy protocol yields effective control and prevention of PIOL relapse. This article reviewed recent research progress to improve the clinical understanding of PIOL.