How to Manage a Patient with Ocular Metastases?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Ophthalmology
• Medical Oncology

Background:

• Ocular metastases are the most common malignant tumors affecting the eye, with a prevalence of 5-10%, particularly in breast and lung cancer patients.
• Managing ocular metastases presents a significant therapeutic challenge, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to balance tumor control, eye preservation, and vision maintenance.
• Secondary resistance to systemic treatments is frequent, often leading to cancer relapse despite initial responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current therapeutic strategies for ocular metastases.
• To discuss personalized treatment approaches for ocular metastases, considering systemic and local therapy combinations.
• To highlight the importance of tailoring treatment to individual patient needs for optimal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current literature on ocular metastasis management.
• It analyzes the role of systemic and local therapies in the context of patient-specific factors.
• Discussion includes strategies for overcoming treatment resistance and preserving ocular function.

Main Results:

• Ocular metastases necessitate a hierarchical, multidisciplinary therapeutic strategy.
• Personalized treatment selection, combining or sequencing systemic and local therapies, is crucial.
• Local treatments may offer a more sustainable response when used concomitantly or after systemic therapy.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of ocular metastases requires a personalized, multidisciplinary approach.
• Integrating local therapies with systemic treatments can improve tumor control and preserve vision.
• Tailoring treatment strategies is essential for maintaining patients' quality of life.