Updates in imaging in ocular oncology

F1000Res. 2019 Oct 1:8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1706. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.19979.1. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Innovations in ophthalmic imaging have made a profound impact on the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic disease. In ocular oncology, the development of optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging and swept source technologies has made it possible to visualize the anatomical characteristics of retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma with a level of detail previously unobtainable on clinical exam alone. As a result, our understanding of the pathophysiology of vision loss in choroidal melanoma in particular has improved. These modalities have also helped identify fundoscopically "invisible" tumors and risk stratify pre-malignant choroidal lesions, making a strong case for their inclusion in all screening evaluations. Optical coherence tomography angiography, on the other hand, has allowed non-invasive imaging of the retinal and uveal vasculatures, providing insight into vascular changes associated with malignant transformation and vision loss following exposure to radiation. While the impact of new imaging technologies on clinical outcomes and overall survival in ocular oncology has yet to be determined, several reports cited herein offer promising results.

Keywords: Ocular oncology; angiography; melanoma; ocular surface squamous neoplasia; optical coherence tomography; radiation retinopathy; retinoblastoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Choroid / diagnostic imaging
  • Choroid / pathology
  • Choroid Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Uveal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*

Grants and funding

JD and PM: Funding from the National Eye Institute (P30-026877) and Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc to Byers Eye Institute.