Intravitreous Cutaneous Metastatic Melanoma in the Era of Checkpoint Inhibition: Unmasking and Masquerading

• Published in: Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.) Vol. 127; no. 2; pp. 240 - 248
• Main Authors: Francis, Jasmine H, Berry, Duncan, Abramson, David H, Barker, Christopher A, Bergstrom, Chris, Demirci, Hakan, Engelbert, Michael, Grossniklaus, Hans, Hubbard, Baker, Iacob, Codrin E, Jaben, Korey, Kurli, Madhavi, Postow, Michael A, Wolchok, Jedd D, Kim, Ivana K, Wells, Jill R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2020
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating - therapeutic use; Eye Neoplasms - drug therapy; Eye Neoplasms - secondary; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy - methods; Male; Melanoma - pathology; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant; Melphalan - therapeutic use; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Vitreous Body - pathology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0161-6420; 1549-4713
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.09.018

Cutaneous melanoma metastatic to the vitreous is very rare. This study investigated the clinical findings, treatment, and outcome of patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the vitreous. Most patients received checkpoint inhibition for the treatment of systemic disease, and the significance of this was explored. Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. Fourteen eyes of 11 patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the vitreous. Clinical records, including fundus photography and ultrasound results, were reviewed retrospectively, and relevant data were recorded for each patient eye. Clinical features at presentation, ophthalmic and systemic treatments, and outcomes. The median age at presentation of ophthalmic disease was 66 years (range, 23-88 years), and the median follow-up from diagnosis of ophthalmic disease was 23 months. Ten of 11 patients were treated with immune checkpoint inhibition at some point in the treatment course. The median time from starting immunotherapy to ocular symptoms was 17 months (range, 4.5-38 months). Half of eyes demonstrated amelanotic vitreous debris. Five eyes demonstrated elevated intraocular pressure, and 4 eyes demonstrated a retinal detachment. Six patients showed metastatic disease in the central nervous system. Ophthalmic treatment included external beam radiation (30-40 Gy) in 6 eyes, intravitreous melphalan (10-20 μg) in 4 eyes, enucleation of 1 eye, and local observation while receiving systemic treatment in 2 eyes. Three eyes received intravitreous bevacizumab for neovascularization. The final Snellen visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to no light perception. The differential diagnosis of vitreous debris in the context of metastatic cutaneous melanoma includes intravitreal metastasis, and this seems to be particularly apparent during this era of treatment with checkpoint inhibition. External beam radiation, intravitreous melphalan, and systemic checkpoint inhibition can be used in the treatment of ophthalmic disease. Neovascular glaucoma and retinal detachments may occur, and most eyes show poor visual potential. Approximately one quarter of patients demonstrated ocular disease that preceded central nervous system metastasis. Patients with visual symptoms or vitreous debris in the context of metastatic cutaneous melanoma would benefit from evaluation by an ophthalmic oncologist.