US Eye Cancer in the News: Advances in Treatment and Detection

Recent news from the US highlights promising developments in the treatment of eye cancer, particularly for rare and aggressive forms.

Novel Liver-Directed Therapy Shows Promise for Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: A multi-institutional study led by Moffitt Cancer Center has reported significant improvements in outcomes for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM), a rare eye cancer that has spread to the liver. The phase 3 FOCUS trial evaluated a percutaneous hepatic perfusion treatment using a melphalan hepatic delivery system against standard of care. Results published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology showed that the new treatment significantly improved progression-free survival, objective response rate, and disease control rate. Patients receiving the melphalan hepatic delivery system also lived longer. This treatment, approved by the FDA in August 2023, delivers high-dose chemotherapy directly to the isolated liver, minimizing systemic side effects. Researchers are optimistic about this new option for a historically difficult-to-treat cancer and plan further studies.

Early Detection Crucial for Retinoblastoma Cure in Children: Research from the LV Prasad Eye Institute, published in the US journal Ophthalmology Science, emphasizes that early detection and timely treatment can cure retinoblastoma, a common eye cancer in young children. The study, part of the Global Retinoblastoma Study Group, analyzed data from over 3,400 children worldwide, including cases from the US. It highlighted that while survival rates for retinoblastoma are around 99% in high-income countries like the US due to early diagnosis, they are significantly lower in low-income countries due to delayed or lack of treatment. The study underscores the importance of early screening and multimodal treatment strategies involving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for improving survival, especially in advanced cases.

Liquid Biopsy Shows Potential for Early Detection and Prognosis: Research continues to explore less invasive methods for diagnosing and monitoring eye cancer. Liquid biopsy, which involves collecting cancer cells from a blood sample, is being investigated for its potential to detect the spread of eye melanoma earlier and to help determine if treatment is working. While the technology is not yet widely available and is mainly used in clinical trials, it offers a promising avenue for patients who want to preserve their vision and for whom traditional biopsies are challenging.

Understanding Genetic Changes for Future Treatments: Ongoing research focuses on understanding the genetic changes that differentiate eye cancer cells from normal cells. Identifying these changes may lead to the development of targeted therapies. For instance, mutations in the BAP1, GNAQ, and GNA11 genes are being studied for their role in eye melanoma development and spread. Researchers are also exploring gene expression patterns in tumors to better predict the likelihood of metastasis, with tests like DecisionDx-UM being used by some doctors to assess this risk.

Overall, the news in US eye cancer research indicates advancements in treatment options for rare metastatic forms and a continued emphasis on early detection, particularly in children. Furthermore, ongoing research into the genetic underpinnings of eye cancer holds promise for more targeted and less invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the future.