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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma
Published on: January 25, 2015
New therapies for unresectable or metastatic cutaneous eyelid and orbital melanoma
Edward J Wladis1,2, Michael I Rothschild1, Carisa E Bohnak1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Lions Eye Institute, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA.
Purpose:
Newer treatment options offer the promise of improved outcomes for metastatic and unresectable melanoma. This investigation was performed to review these modalities for cutaneous eyelid and orbital disease.
Methods:
A search for articles that were related to this subject was performed in the PubMed database, and the bibliographies of these manuscripts were reviewed to ensure capture of the appropriate literature. Data was abstracted and analyzed.
Results:
Historically, patients who suffer from melanoma of the ocular adnexa have fared poorly. Approaches that employ BRAF and mitogen-associated protein kinase inhibitors, immunotherapy, and novel cellular therapies improve outcomes and survival rates, although the side effect profiles of these agents are problematic. Most of the existing strategies have not explored ocular adnexal disease specifically, and treatment plans are generally adapted from the general cutaneous oncology literature.
Conclusions:
Thanks to advances in our comprehension of the cellular biology of the disease, the management of unresectable and metastatic melanoma has evolved considerably over the past several years. Newer modalities will likely continue to improve survival and reduce adverse events.
Insights
Newer treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapy are improving outcomes for advanced melanoma of the eyelid and orbit. While side effects exist, these advances offer hope for better survival rates in ocular adnexal melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Melanoma of the ocular adnexa historically has poor patient outcomes.
- Treatment plans are often adapted from general cutaneous oncology literature.
- Limited research specifically addresses ocular adnexal melanoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review newer treatment modalities for metastatic and unresectable melanoma affecting the eyelid and orbit.
- To assess the impact of recent therapeutic advances on ocular adnexal disease.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed database.
- Bibliographies of relevant articles were reviewed for additional pertinent literature.
- Data from selected studies were abstracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies, including BRAF and mitogen-associated protein kinase inhibitors, alongside immunotherapy and cellular therapies, demonstrate improved outcomes and survival rates.
- These novel approaches present challenges due to their side effect profiles.
- Current strategies are not specifically tailored for ocular adnexal disease.
Conclusions:
- Advances in understanding melanoma's cellular biology have significantly improved management of unresectable and metastatic disease.
- Emerging treatment modalities are expected to further enhance survival and minimize adverse events.
- Continued research is needed to optimize treatments for ocular adnexal melanoma.
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