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Evaluation of eye melanoma treatments in rabbits: A systematic review
Tarcísio Guerra Guimarães1,2,3,4,5, Carlos Miguel Marto3,4,5,6,7, Karla Menezes Cardoso1,2,3,4,5
1Institute for Advanced Studies and Research (IIFA), University of Évora, Portugal.
Abstract:
Melanomas are the most common cancer of the eye in canines, felines and humans. The treatment approaches vary, since no gold standard exists. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to compare the treatment modalities in ocular melanoma in rabbits. Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase were searched for articles published until 21 April 2021 in English, Portuguese or Spanish, reporting animal studies evaluating photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser, radiotherapy or surgical excision. Twenty-seven articles were included for the qualitative synthesis, with publication dates from 1970 to 2018. Of the selected studies, 19 used PDT, six used radiotherapy and two used laser as treatment. No studies regarding surgical therapy that met the inclusion criteria were obtained. The tumour therapy results were evaluated in a heterogeneous manner for different periods and various methods, including microscopy, angiographic, histological examination, fundoscopy, ultrasound exam and electroretinogram. The treatment modalities analysed successfully treated the ocular melanoma, with tumour necrosis being commonly observed. Despite the therapeutic efficacy shown, side effects have been reported for all the therapies. The studies showed high heterogeneity, and therefore, in the future, new studies should be carried out to increase knowledge about ocular melanoma treatment. The analysed therapies can be used successfully in the treatment of ocular melanoma, with more conservative options such as PDT presenting great potential.
Insights
Ocular melanoma treatment in rabbits shows promise with various modalities like photodynamic therapy (PDT), radiotherapy, and laser, though heterogeneity exists. Further research is needed to establish optimal approaches for this common eye cancer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Comparative Oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Ocular melanoma is a prevalent eye cancer in rabbits, canines, felines, and humans.
- Current treatment strategies lack a universally accepted gold standard.
- This review focuses on comparing treatment modalities for ocular melanoma specifically in rabbits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and compare different treatment modalities for ocular melanoma in rabbits.
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser, and radiotherapy.
- To identify gaps in the literature regarding surgical interventions for rabbit ocular melanoma.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase.
- Articles published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish until April 21, 2021, were included.
- Twenty-seven studies from 1970-2018 evaluating PDT, laser, or radiotherapy were included; no surgical studies met criteria.
Main Results:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was the most frequently studied modality (19 studies), followed by radiotherapy (6 studies) and laser (2 studies).
- All analyzed treatment modalities demonstrated success in treating ocular melanoma, commonly resulting in tumor necrosis.
- Heterogeneous evaluation methods and timeframes were used across studies, including microscopy, histology, and imaging.
Conclusions:
- Despite therapeutic efficacy and observed tumor necrosis, all evaluated treatments for rabbit ocular melanoma presented side effects.
- High heterogeneity among studies necessitates further research to advance knowledge and establish optimal treatment protocols.
- Conservative options like photodynamic therapy (PDT) show significant potential for treating ocular melanoma in rabbits.
