Related Experiment Videos
Enucleation versus plaque irradiation for choroidal melanoma
B R Straatsma1, S L Fine, J D Earle
1Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine 90024-1771.
Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
The Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) evaluates treatments for choroidal melanoma. It compares enucleation with iodine-125 plaque irradiation for medium tumors and different surgical approaches for large tumors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- The Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) is an international, multicenter-controlled research initiative.
- It involves an Executive Committee, Steering Committee, Central Units, Clinical Centers, and a Data and Safety Monitoring Committee.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct randomized trials for medium and large choroidal melanoma.
- To assess the appropriateness of a randomized trial for small choroidal melanoma through an observational study.
Main Methods:
- Randomized trial comparing enucleation with iodine-125 plaque irradiation for medium choroidal melanoma.
- Randomized trial comparing enucleation with preenucleation external beam irradiation and enucleation for large choroidal melanoma.
- Prospective observational study for small choroidal melanoma.
Main Results:
- Recruitment for the COMS trials is ongoing.
- The study emphasizes biostatistics, sample size, iodine-125 plaque irradiation, and coordinated research.
Conclusions:
- The COMS requires continued support from ophthalmologists in the US and Canada.
- Eligible patient pool is limited, necessitating cooperation for successful study completion.