Robotic CyberKnife Radiosurgery for Ciliary Body Melanoma

Robotic CyberKnife radiosurgery for small choroidal melanomas

Plaque brachytherapy is the most common procedure for the treatment of small choroidal melanoma, especially in posteriorly located tumors. However, there is only little information on outcome after treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery, for example, CyberKnife radiosurgery. We reviewed patients with choroidal melanoma (maximum tumor height 4 mm) treated with CyberKnife radiosurgery. Demographic information, tumor dimension, complications, metastasis and overall survival during the whole follow-up were tracked and analyzed with a specific focus on local tumor control and potential risk factors. One hundred eighty-eight patients (102 female, 54.2%) with a median age of 63 years [interquartile range (IQR): 54-73 years] were analyzed over a median of 46 months (IQR: 24-62 months). Metastasis occurred in 14 patients (7.4%) in median of 18 months after treatment (IQR: 13-47 months) and survival was achieved in 178 patients (94.7%). Within the observation period, eye retention was observed in 166 patients (88.3%). Superior local control was achieved in patients who received a prescription dose of at least 21 Gy or more (91.6%; P = 0.04). Other potential risk factors incrementing local control were treatment planning with missing MRI in advance and too small target delineation during the planning process. Radiosurgery (CyberKnife) in a single, outpatient procedure is suitable for the treatment of small choroidal melanoma. We found local control rate after 3 years compared to the standard treatment with plaque brachytherapy. On the study side, 15 years of CyberKnife treatment allowed to identify risk factors that might increment local control and thus improve treatment regimens.

Uveal Melanoma - Standardised Procedure in Diagnosis, Therapy and Surveillance

BACKGROUND

Uveal melanoma is a rare intraocular tumour, for which there is currently no national evidence-based guideline in Germany. The aim of this project was to provide a common standard operating procedure (SOP) for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of uveal melanoma, within the network of German leading oncology centres funded by German Cancer Aid. The SOP was created as part of a moderated consensus process.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In a multistage process, a common SOP was developed for the diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of uveal melanoma, as based on current knowledge of the subject.

Robotic assisted CyberKnife radiosurgery for the treatment of choroidal metastasis

PURPOSE

Choroidal metastases occur in many patients with systemic cancer and limit quality of life due to visual deterioration or pain. The limited prognosis of these patients demand treatment approaches that aim at a quick response and easy application. We evaluated a robotic assisted radiosurgery device, the CyberKnife, in the treatment of choroidal metastasis.

METHODS

Following retrobulbar anaesthesia, target volume was defined by an interdisciplinary team using gadolinium-contrast-enhanced MRI, computer tomography (CT) as well as all previously obtained clinical data. Radiation was delivered in a single fraction with a CyberKnife at a radiation dose of 21 Gy with a 70% isodose. We evaluated tumour height, reflectivity, visual acuity and side effects over the course of the follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of four patients were included in this report. Mean follow-up time was 31 months, and all patients showed decreased tumour volume and signs of fibrosis during follow-up. One patient remained stable in terms of visual acuity, two patients lost visual acuity and one patient improved and had a functional visual acuity at last follow-up. One patient developed radiation retinopathy with subsequent neovascular glaucoma that needed further management. All other patients did not show any signs of radiation induced side effects.

CONCLUSION

We report on the outcome of robotic CyberKnife radiosurgery in the treatment of uveal metastasis. We believe that single session, outpatient treatment delivery that can be facilitated with CyberKnife radiosurgery offer some benefits for this particularly sick group of patients.