Improved survival rates observed in eye cancer patients undergoing vision-enhancing eye surgery, according to a recent study
In a significant breakthrough, a study led by UCLA and published in the journal Cancers has proposed a potential game-changer in the treatment of uveal melanoma, a rare cancer found inside the eye.
The study, which followed 37 patients, focused on combining vision-preserving surgical techniques with targeted radiation therapy. The team, headed by Dr. Tara McCannel, director of the Ophthalmic Oncology Center at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute, found that this approach may significantly improve survival rates.
Twenty-seven patients in the study underwent plaque brachytherapy, a form of targeted radiation, combined with a specialized procedure involving silicone oil placement and vitrectomy. Most of these patients experienced this combined treatment, underscoring its potential effectiveness.
Interestingly, the study revealed that tumor size and stage were not reliable indicators of whether the cancer would spread in the cohort. Even high-risk patients based on tumor genetics had low rates of metastasis and death, which is significantly lower than historically expected.
The research also highlighted the need for greater training among ocular oncologists to perform the complex retinal surgery required for silicone oil placement. Three patients had their eye removed, underscoring the importance of such training.
Despite the promising results, it's worth noting that one patient died from the disease, and seven patients underwent brachytherapy alone. Current genetic tests are effective at identifying those at low risk but less reliable in determining who is truly high risk.
The study's findings suggest that the method, pioneered at UCLA, may change the way uveal melanoma is treated. Over a median follow-up of more than four years, more than 80% of patients remained free of metastatic disease, and none of the patients experienced a recurrence in the treated eye.
While the authors of the specific surgical technique are not explicitly named in the available search results, a relevant source mentions 'Tortorelli, Nazarena' in a melanoma study context, although it's unclear if this directly relates to the surgical technique study in question. Other authors of the study include Axel Rivas of the University of Nevada and Dr. Wolfram Samlowski of Nevada Oncology Specialists in Las Vegas.
This study offers a glimmer of hope for uveal melanoma patients and underscores the importance of continued research and training in the field of ocular oncology.
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