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Iris color as a prognostic factor in ocular melanoma
S Regan1, H E Judge, E S Gragoudas
1Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114, USA.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|June 16, 1999
Summary
Patients with blue or gray irises face a higher risk of death from choroidal melanoma. This increased risk for ocular melanoma persists even when accounting for other known factors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ocular melanoma prevalence may differ based on iris pigmentation.
- Light irises are hypothesized to be more common in ocular melanoma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between iris color and mortality risk in intraocular melanoma patients.
- To determine if lighter iris pigmentation increases the risk of death from ocular melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1162 patients treated with proton irradiation from 1984-1996.
- Follow-up data collected through 1997 to assess outcomes.
- Statistical analysis, including Cox proportional hazards regression, was employed.
Main Results:
- Patients with blue or gray irises had less pigmented tumors and tumors closer to critical optic structures.
- Five- and 10-year metastasis-related death rates were higher for blue/gray irises (0.14/0.21) compared to darker irises (0.10/0.15).
- Blue/gray irises were associated with a 1.90-fold increased risk of death from metastatic disease, independent of tumor characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with blue or gray irises have a significantly higher risk of dying from metastatic choroidal melanoma.
- This increased risk is observed irrespective of other identified risk factors for ocular melanoma.