Presentation, Treatment, and Prognosis of Secondary Melanoma within the Orbit

Treatment response and recurrence of conjunctival melanoma with orbital invasion treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Conjunctival melanoma (CM) has genetic characteristics that are similar to primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM). The management of advanced CM with orbital metastasis was limited until the adoption of novel immunotherapy agents that significantly improved the survival of metastatic PCM.

PURPOSE

To review and compare the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment response in cases reported in the English literature with orbital involvement secondary to CM versus PCM. In addition, we report a case of local recurrence of CM in a young female after successful treatment with ICI.

METHODS

In addition to reviewing the chart of one patient who presented to our clinic, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify CM cases and cases with orbital metastasis secondary to advanced CM and PCM. Outcomes included patient demographics, response to ICI, and associated adverse effects.

RESULTS

There were ten cases with orbital involvement, four were secondary to CM, and six were metastasis from PCM. Orbital metastasis from PCM regressed following treatment with ICI agents, whereas those secondary to CM resolved completely. There were 19 cases of CM without orbital invasion. Of the 29 cases identified, complete resolution of ocular melanoma was achieved in 15 patients, representing 52% of the cases collectively, and none of them reported recurrence except in our case.

CONCLUSION

CM with orbital invasion responds well to ICIs, with manageable toxic effects. Despite the complete resolution, close observation is needed as the recurrence risk remains.

Metastatic Melanoma to the Orbit With Dedifferentiation: A Case Report

We present the first documented case of metastatic melanoma to the orbit with dedifferentiation. A patient with a history of melanoma of the lip and other poorly differentiated carcinomas presented with both a sub-brow and an intraorbital mass. Radiographically and intraoperatively, the sub-brow mass communicated with the intraorbital mass via perineural spread along the supraorbital nerve. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of melanoma based on the melanocytic markers, SOX-10 and Melan-A; dedifferentiation was demonstrated within the orbital tumor. Two weeks following surgical debulking, the intraorbital mass returned to its full size. Local radiotherapy and immunotherapy were performed, which initially led to a dramatic improvement; however, the patient succumbed to his systemic metastases six months later. Dedifferentiation serves as a prognostic indicator and should be considered in patients when histopathology does not lead to a definitive diagnosis.

Genetics and RNA Regulation of Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignant tumor and the most frequent melanoma not affecting the skin. While the rate of UM occurrence is relatively low, about 50% of patients develop metastasis, primarily to the liver, with lethal outcome despite medical treatment. Notwithstanding that UM etiopathogenesis is still under investigation, a set of known mutations and chromosomal aberrations are associated with its pathogenesis and have a relevant prognostic value. The most frequently mutated genes are BAP1, EIF1AX, GNA11, GNAQ, and SF3B1, with mutually exclusive mutations occurring in GNAQ and GNA11, and almost mutually exclusive ones in BAP1 and SF3B1, and BAP1 and EIF1AX. Among chromosomal aberrations, monosomy of chromosome 3 is the most frequent, followed by gain of chromosome 8q, and full or partial loss of chromosomes 1 and 6. In addition, epigenetic mechanisms regulated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), namely microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, have also been investigated. Several papers investigating the role of ncRNAs in UM have reported that their dysregulated expression affects cancer-related processes in both in vitro and in vivo models. This review will summarize current findings about genetic mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and ncRNA dysregulation establishing UM biology.

Clinical Outcomes of Orbital Exenteration in Korean Patients with Orbital Malignancies

Purpose: We report the clinical outcomes of Korean patients who were diagnosed with orbital malignancies and underwent orbital exenteration.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the tumor origins, histopathological diagnoses, local/regional recurrences, distant metastases, surgical margin clearances, overall and event-free survivals, and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy statuses of 14 patients who underwent orbital exenteration in our center from February 2009 to March 2020.Results: We enrolled seven men and seven women of mean age at the time of exenteration of 68 years (range, 37 to 80 years). The mean follow-up period was 44.6 months (range, 10 to 133 months). Most tumors had arisen in the eyelid (seven cases, 50.0%). The most common pathological diagnosis was malignant melanoma (five cases, 35.7%). We observed no local or regional recurrence after exenteration, but distant metastases developed in seven cases, of which four were malignant melanomas (80% of all melanomas). Positive surgical margins were observed in six cases (42.9%). The distant metastasis rate was 42.9%; the overall survival rate was 60%. The 1-year overall survival rate was 100%, the 2-year survival rate was 81.8%, and the 5-year survival rate was 56.1%. The 1-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was 100%, the 2-year EFS rate was 72.7%, and the 5-year EFS rate was 49.9%. Nine patients received adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy and six patients received combined chemoradiation.Conclusions: Patients underwent orbital exenteration to treat orbital malignancies and received postoperative chemotherapy and/or radiation exhibited differences in clinical outcomes and survival rates depending on the tumor type.

Rapid visual field progression in a patient with glaucoma as the presenting manifestation of sarcoidosis

PURPOSE

To report a case of accelerated visual field progression secondary to a new orbital apex lesion in a patient with a longstanding history of fatigue and cough.

OBSERVATIONS

A 73-year-old myopic female with known open angle glaucoma presented with accelerated unilateral visual field progression. Maximally tolerated medical therapy was instituted over a period of 1-2 years with imminent discussions of surgical intervention. Around this time the patient reported worsening cough and fatigue, which were initially attributed to glaucoma medication side effects. Consideration of the patient's remote history of melanoma and the current asymmetry of the visual field progression triggered a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the orbits as part of the management. An orbital apex lesion was discovered, raising suspicion for metastatic melanoma, and restaging CT imaging uncovered renal, hepatic, and mediastinal masses. Unexpectedly, biopsies revealed non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammatory processes consistent with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. It is perhaps noteworthy that the patient had received interferon therapy for management of her melanoma; previous reports have associated interferon exposure with subsequent sarcoid disease, regardless of duration of therapy or elapsed time since exposure.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Although rare, sarcoidosis can occur virtually anywhere in the body, including the orbital apex. Its common early symptoms, fatigue and cough, are insidious and seen frequently in this patient's age group and medication side effect profile. It is important to maintain an appropriate index of suspicion when monitoring atypical visual field progression in a patient with glaucoma. In this case, imaging, subsequent biopsy, and a multi-specialty team were integral to this patient's diagnosis and management.

MR-Eye: High-Resolution Microscopy Coil MRI for the Assessment of the Orbit and Periorbital Structures, Part 2: Clinical Applications

In the first part of this 2-part series, we described how to implement microscopy coil MR imaging of the orbits. Beyond being a useful anatomic educational tool, microscopy coil MR imaging has valuable applications in clinical practice. By depicting deep tissue tumor extension, which cannot be evaluated clinically, ophthalmic surgeons can minimize the surgical field, preserve normal anatomy when possible, and maximize the accuracy of resection margins. Here we demonstrate common and uncommon pathologies that may be encountered in orbital microscopy coil MR imaging practice and discuss the imaging appearance, the underlying pathologic processes, and the clinical relevance of the microscopy coil MR imaging findings.

Ipsilateral orbital metastasis following enucleation of intraocular ciliochoroidal melanoma: a rare occurrence

This case report demostrates an unusual occurence of orbital metastasis along with liver metastasis 5 years following enucleation for ciliochoroidal melanoma with no extraocular extension. It exemplifies that metastasis of the tumour can occur in the ipsilateral orbit after enucleation. Importance of close clinical follow-up after enucleation for choroidal melanoma, careful socket examination, and regular systemic metastatic workup is demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of uveal melanoma with ipsilateral orbital metastasis.

Adjuvant External Beam Radiotherapy Following Enucleation of Eyes With Extraocular Extension From Uveal Melanoma

PURPOSE

To report local disease control and all-cause mortality in patients with extraocular extension (EOE) of uveal melanoma undergoing enucleation followed by observation or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

METHODS

Charts of patients enucleated between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2019, with histopathological evidence of EOE of uveal melanoma were reviewed.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 51 patients with a mean age of 67 ± 15 years, 22 (43%) of whom underwent adjuvant postenucleation EBRT. Risk factors for metastasis included presence of epithelioid cells (29/45; 88%), closed loops (20/43; 47%), monosomy 3 (16/25; 64%), and gain of 8q (20/22; 91%). Patients undergoing EBRT had more extensive EOE (median: 5.1 mm vs. 2.6 mm, p = 0.008) and surgical excision was less likely to be histologically complete (2/20; 10% vs. 14/25; 56%, p = 0.002). Local side effects following EBRT were seen in 64% (14/22). At latest follow up, 59% of patients (30/51) were alive, with a median follow up of 1.8 years (interquartile range: 2.9; range: 0.1-6.5]. By Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 56% and 12%, respectively. There was no difference in all-cause mortality between those receiving adjuvant EBRT and those who were observed (log rank, p = 0.273). No cases of orbital recurrence were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital EBRT causes significant morbidity. Cases with relatively small EOE undergoing enucleation can be safely observed, without adjuvant EBRT. Multicenter studies are required to better assess the role of EBRT when EOE is more extensive.

Current molecular and clinical insights into uveal melanoma (Review)

Uveal melanoma (UM) represents the most prominent primary eye cancer in adults. With an incidence of approximately 5 cases per million individuals annually in the United States, UM could be considered a relatively rare cancer. The 90-95% of UM cases arise from the choroid. Diagnosis is based mainly on a clinical examination and ancillary tests, with ocular ultrasonography being of greatest value. Differential diagnosis can prove challenging in the case of indeterminate choroidal lesions and, sometimes, monitoring for documented growth may be the proper approach. Fine needle aspiration biopsy tends to be performed with a prognostic purpose, often in combination with radiotherapy. Gene expression profiling has allowed for the grading of UMs into two classes, which feature different metastatic risks. Patients with UM require a specialized multidisciplinary management. Primary tumor treatment can be either enucleation or globe preserving. Usually, enucleation is reserved for larger tumors, while radiotherapy is preferred for small/medium melanomas. The prognosis is unfavorable due to the high mortality rate and high tendency to metastasize. Following the development of metastatic disease, the mortality rate increases to 80% within one year, due to both the absence of an effective treatment and the aggressiveness of the condition. Novel molecular studies have allowed for a better understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in UM biological activity, which differs compared to skin melanomas. The most commonly mutated genes are GNAQ, GNA11 and BAP1. Research in this field could help to identify effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as novel therapeutic targets.

High-Dose-Rate Interstitial Brachytherapy (Interventional Radiotherapy) for Conjunctival Melanoma with Orbital Extension

Purpose

To evaluate local control and functional and cosmetic outcomes of postoperative high-dose-rate interventional radiotherapy (HDR-IRT) in patients affected by conjunctival melanoma with orbit invasion.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 2 patients affected by conjunctival melanoma infiltrating the orbit, treated with surgical excision and HDR-IRT. The treatment procedures consisted of surgical excision of the orbital infiltrating nodule followed, 1 month after surgery, by adjuvant HDR-IRT. A target dose of 34 Gy was delivered in 10 twice-a-day fractions over 5 consecutive days. Data analysis included local tumor control and metastatic rate, acute and late toxicity, functional and aesthetic results.

Results

In both patients, treatment was well tolerated, and there was no orbital recurrence at a median follow-up of 37-40 months. There was an excellent functional outcome, without no significant acute or late side effects.

Conclusions

HDR-IRT could be considered a promising, feasible, successful, and well-tolerated option for selected patients affected by ocular tumors with orbital invasion.

Malignant melanoma of the rectum presenting as orbital metastasis

An orbital mass being the presenting sign of disseminated systemic metastasis is a rare clinical picture. Here, the authors describe the case of a 52-year old Asian-Indian female who presented with unilateral proptosis and motility restriction. Imaging showed an irregular orbital mass infiltrating the right lateral rectus and with a significant intraconal component. Incisional biopsy helped to diagnose a malignant melanoma and exhaustive systemic imaging showed that the primary was found to be arising from the rectum. This represents the first reported case of malignant melanoma of the rectum metastasizing to the orbit and presenting with proptosis and reduced vision.

Two Late Recurrences of Conjunctival Melanoma

PURPOSE

To report a patient who developed two late recurrences of conjunctival melanoma (CoM), of which one occurred after orbital exenteration.

METHODS

We describe the case of a patient based on clinical and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

A 52-year-old patient was treated with local excision and cryotherapy for a CoM with primary acquired melanosis (PAM) near the limbus of the right eye. Twenty-one years later, a recurrence developed in the superior fornix of the same eye in an area with widespread PAM; an orbital exenteration was performed. After another 4 years, a painful nodule developed subcutaneously at the inferior margin of the right orbital socket. Pathology showed a recurrence of CoM with a BRAF V600K mutation, similar to both of the previous lesions (of 25 and 4 years earlier). The nodule was excised without additional therapy. No recurrences or metastases have been observed in the next 2.5 years. The proposed mechanism for the recurrence after surgery could be via dormant tumor cells that have spread prior to the procedure or via residual intraepithelial malignant melanocytes.

CONCLUSION

Very late recurrences of CoM are rare but may occur. Our case illustrates the need for long-term awareness of doctors and patients, even after extensive surgical procedures such as orbital exenteration.

Detection of mutations in SF3B1, EIF1AX and GNAQ in primary orbital melanoma by candidate gene analysis

Background

Ocular melanoma is a rare but often deadly malignancy that arises in the uvea (commonest primary site), conjunctiva or the orbit. Primary orbital melanoma (POM) is exceedingly rare, with approximately 60 cases reported to date. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the genetics of primary uveal and conjunctival melanomas, this information is lacking for POM.

Methods

DNA was extracted from 12 POM tissues, with matched germline DNA (where available). MLPA was conducted to detect chromosomal alterations and Sanger sequencing used to identify point mutations in candidate melanoma driver genes (BRAF, NRAS, KRAS, GNA11, GNAQ), and other genes implicated in melanoma prognosis (EIF1AX, SF3B1). Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyse BAP1 nuclear expression.

Results

MLPA detected copy number alterations in chromosomes 1p, 3, 6 and 8. Sequencing of melanoma driver genes revealed GNAQ (p.Q209L) mutations in two samples; although it is possible that these samples represent extraocular spread of an occult uveal melanoma. A recurrent mutation in SF3B1 (p.R625H) was observed in indolent, but not aggressive, tumours; a mutation in EIF1AX (p.N4S) was detected in one patient with non-aggressive disease.

Conclusions

EIF1AX and SF3B1 mutations appear have a role in determining the clinical course of POM and detection of these changes could have clinical significance. Further in depth analysis of this rare group using differing ‘omic technologies will provide novel insights into tumour pathogenesis.

Primary Orbital Melanoma: Presentation, Treatment, and Long-term Outcomes for 13 Patients

BACKGROUND

Periocular melanoma is a rare but often deadly malignancy that arises in the uvea (commonest origin), conjunctiva or orbit (rarest primary site). Melanoma accounts for 5-10% of metastatic/secondary orbital malignancies, but only a tiny proportion of primary orbital neoplasia. Primary orbital melanoma (POM) is exceedingly rare, with approximately 50 cases reported to date.

METHODS

All patients seen in the orbital unit at a tertiary referral hospital (1991-2016) with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of POM were identified from a diagnostic database and were studied. The case notes, imaging, surgical approach, and histology were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (five male; 38%) presented with isolated malignant melanoma of the orbit, for which no other primary site was identified at presentation or during an average follow-up of 44 months (median 22; range 0-13 years). The patients presented between the ages of 40 and 84 years (mean 55.5; median 48 years) and typically gave a short history of rapidly increasing proptosis and eyelid swelling. On the basis of history, a malignant lesion was suspected in most patients and all underwent incisional biopsy, with debulking of the mass in 10 (77%) patients, and skin-sparing exenteration in 3/13 (23%). Ten patients underwent orbital radiotherapy and the survival to date ranged from 9 months to 14 years (mean 55 months; median 23 months); two patients received solely palliative care for widespread disease and one patient refused orbital radiotherapy. Five of the 13 (38%) patients died from the disease.

DISCUSSION

POM is a very rare malignancy, but clinical analysis of this cohort gives insight into disease presentation and prognosis. The tumor typically presents with a rapidly progressive, well-defined mass that is, in some cases, amenable to macroscopically intact excision. Unusual for malignant melanoma, some of these patients can show an unusually long period of quiescent disease after surgical debulking and radiotherapy.