Vision-saving eye surgery may also improve survival in patients with rare eye cancer, study finds

Medical Xpress / University of California, Los Angeles / Cancers ^ | Sept. 16, 2025 | Denise Heady / Axel Rivas et al

[ConservativeMind]

A study has found that a surgical technique developed to protect vision in patients with uveal melanoma, a rare cancer that arises inside the eye, may also lower the risk of the disease spreading and improve survival..

The study followed 37 patients who were treated for uveal melanoma. Most received targeted radiation, known as plaque brachytherapy, combined with a specialized procedure that replaces the eye's gel-like interior with silicone oil, a technique designed to shield healthy parts of the eye from radiation damage while allowing the tumor to receive the full cancer-killing dose.

Over a median follow-up of more than four years, more than 80% of patients remained free of metastatic disease, and none experienced a recurrence in the treated eye. Only 16% of patients (six) developed metastases, and one patient died from the disease. This represents a significantly lower rate than historically expected, when about 30% of patients would develop metastases, most often in the liver, and few survived beyond five years.

So they decided to take a closer look at the data, analyzing both clinical outcomes and genetic risk factors. They identified 37 patients with uveal melanoma, who were followed for a median of four years. Twenty-seven underwent plaque brachytherapy with vitrectomy and silicone oil placement, seven underwent brachytherapy alone, and three had their eye removed.

The team grouped people into high- or low-risk based on tumor genetics, tracked how long patients stayed cancer-free and how long they survived, and tested how well current prediction tools identified those at risk for metastasis.

Along with observing unexpectedly low rates of cancer metastasis and death, the team found that even patients classified as high-risk based on tumor genetics had low rates of metastasis and death.

Overall, far fewer patients experienced progression or died than expected.

---

TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: cancer; eye; eyecancer; eyedisease; surgery; treatment; vision

[ConservativeMind]

“Combining plaque brachytherapy with vitrectomy and silicone oil not only helps patients preserve their vision but may also improve survival.”

This combination led to a 16% metastasis rate, versus the normal 30%.

It seems a pretty remarkable opportunity.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[ckilmer]

I have developed a blind spot on the lower right section of my left eye. Now about 1/3 of the vision in that is blocked. It looks like a partial eclipse.

I don’t know what it is. I’m going to go in to see a doctor next week.

[pfflier]

That is pretty classic torn retina.. I had that and it was very difficult to deal with, six surgeries and silicon oil in the eye. After three years, I have most vision recovered in the eye now with some distortion where the tear was repaired by laser re-attachment.

[Veto!]

Never heardof eye cancer. Sounds terrible.

I’ve had two corneal transplants , one 25 years ago that provided me with perfect vision. But it doesn’t last forever, so I got a new one this year. Maybe a 50% improvement, can see the screen, can read with glasses, but it’s not good enough to drive. Got rid of my car and take cabs now.

[Bonemaker]

Do it now!!

I had what sounds like the same thing a year ago! Detached retina! If so, it is a medical emergency! Go directly to a Retina Surgeon this afterhoon...not an optometrist or opthalmologist...if you don't want total black blindness in that eye. The fix in my case was an eye surgery called a vitrectomy. Happily, it was caught (barely) in time and my sight was saved. It was an easy, painless procedure and is a bread and butter surgery for Retina specialist. They should pretty much drop what they are doing to take care of you. Good luck!

[sauropod]

Bkmk

[LilFarmer]

Yes, I had a posterior vitreous detachment but they told me I needed to get in to be seen asap in case it was a torn retina.

The eclipse is one of the things they said to get to the ER right away because the sooner they catch it the better the outcome, I was told.

If you can get anywhere asap, don’t bend at the waist, lift anything, or do anything that can put pressure in the eye.

[LilFarmer]

*If you can’t get anywhere asap

[telescope115]

This is scary stuff. I am being seen alternately by an optometrist and an ophthalmologist; I was diagnosed earlier this year with glaucoma in both eyes- it’s worse in my right eye. Also two retinal occlusions in my right eye- blood clots in the blood vessels feeding the retina.

I understand that this melanoma is rare, but it’s something else to think about. Oh well….

[telescope115]

I forgot to mention that I am using two different eye drops, and receiving an injection of medication into my right eye every 8 weeks. I’ll never get rid of the glaucoma, but the occlusions have abated, and at least it seems like it’s not getting any worse.

[chuck allen]

Well I had a Vitrectomy on my right eye for very large floaters that tore off of my vitreous while riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando. I got the right eye fixed and then I got diagnosed with the GCA and started prednisone and the eye surgeon wouldn’t do my left eye until I got off the steroid. Too much risk for infection he said. Now I’m off steroids and need to schedule my left surgery.

If anyone needs a Vitrectomy or Cataract Surgery I can assure you it’s now so easy and painless and quick it’s amazing. Cataract surgery took 9 minutes on my right eye and 12 on my left. My vitrectomy took about 22 minutes. I was awake but didn’t feel a thing, just in a happy twilight buzz. The numbing shot under my eye for the Vitrectomy was a bit uncomfortable but it was quick and they had already drugged me.