The latest research reveals CyberKnife treatment safely delivers full local tumor control for uveal melanoma patients.
Accuray, the maker of CyberKnife Radiation Therapy reported the findings at the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society’s annual meeting (ISRS).
All 68 uveal melanoma patients treated with CyberKnife achieved local tumor control at a mean follow-up of 46.5 months.
The findings, shared from the CDI Centro Diagnostico Italiano in Milan Italy, describe the treatment as safe, minimally invasive, and well tolerated.
This study highlights the potential efficacy of CyberKnife radiosurgery for managing uveal melanoma, an ocular cancer with limited treatment options.
Ongoing research will further clarify long-term outcomes and broader applicability.
Uveal melanoma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the urea, the middle layer of the eyeball.
Though uncommon overall, it is the most frequent primary intraocular (eye) cancer in adults.
Where it Develops
The uvea is made up of three main parts, all of which contain pigment-producing cells (melanocytes):
- Choroid: The layer of blood vessels behind the retina (where ~90% of cases occur).
- Ciliary Body: The muscle structure behind the iris.
- Iris: The colored part of the eye.
Symptoms
In the early stages, uveal melanoma frequently causes no symptoms. As the tumor grows, individuals may experience:
- Blurry or reduced vision.
- Flashes of light or new floaters.
- A dark spot on the iris that grows in size.
- The loss of part of the visual field.
- Changes in pupil shape.
Causes and Risk Factors
Unlike common skin melanomas, uveal melanoma is not strongly linked to ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure. While the exact cause is unknown, known risk factors include:
- Having light-colored eyes and fair skin.
- Older age (most cases are diagnosed in individuals over 50).
- Pre-existing eye growths, such as choroidal nevi (eye freckles) or ocular melanocytosis.
Treatment and Outlook
Primary tumors within the eye are typically treated very successfully using localized radiation therapy (such as plaque brachytherapy or proton beam therapy), laser therapy, or surgery (enucleation).
However, uveal melanoma carries a high risk of spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body, most commonly the liver. Because of this, patients require lifelong monitoring by an ocular oncologist or dedicated Rare Melanoma Centers. For in-depth clinical information, you can read the Uveal Melanoma Guide via the Melanoma Research Alliance.
To find out if you are a candidate for CyberKnife treatment call the team considered to be among the most experienced experts worldwide at the CyberKnife Center of Miami 305-279-2900.