Latest Research on Eye Cancer

Executive Summary

Several research studies have been conducted to seek more information on eye cancer, related prevention methods, diagnostic process at the initial phase, and best treatment strategies. Targeted therapy for melanoma is being studied to review the proteins, genes, and other factors that may play a role in the development of intraocular melanoma. Particularly for eye cancers, MEK inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy being actively researched. Researchers are also looking for markers or specific substances in the blood that may tell the doctor if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body in the research on eye cancer. Monoclonal antibodies mainly target and kill cancer cells, and are immunotherapy tested in clinical trials. Intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) is being used for some types of eye cancer as improved radiation therapy. For patients with metastatic uveal melanoma, adjuvant therapy that is additional treatment after the primary treatment, like chemotherapy after surgery, is being tested in clinical trials of eye cancer.

A chemoembolization technique helps doctors separate the liver’s blood supply from the rest of the body and directly deliver chemotherapy to the liver. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways to reduce symptoms and side effects of the presently available eye cancer treatments to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

Advancement in Eye Cancer Research

According to the research on eye cancer, doctors are learning about eye cancer, methods to prevent it, treat it best, and provide the best care to patients diagnosed with this cancer.

• Targeted therapy for melanoma – Researchers are reviewing the proteins, genes, and other factors that may play a role in the development of intraocular melanoma ^​1​. Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. 

Recent studies have shown that not all tumors have the same targets. Many research studies on eye cancer are going on to discover more about specific molecular targets and the treatments directed at them. Particularly for eye cancers MEK inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy being actively researched. 

• Tumor Markers – Researchers are also looking for markers or specific substances in the blood that may tell the doctor if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body on the research on eye cancer ^​2​.
• Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is also called biologic therapy, designed to boost the body’s natural defences to fight cancer. It uses substances formed by the body or laboratory to bolster, target, or restore immune system function. Monoclonal antibodies, which mainly target and kill cancer cells, are immunotherapy tested in clinical trials ^​3​. 
• Improved radiation therapy – Many hospitals and cancer centres offer methods that focus radiation therapy on the tumor to help minimize damage to the rest of the eye. One of these methods, known as intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), is being used for some types of eye cancer ^​4​.
• Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses medicine to kill or stop the growth of cancerous cells. Depending upon the stage of eye cancer, different chemotherapy is given. The point that makes a difference is how the chemotherapy enters the body and which cells it affects. A chemotherapy schedule usually consists of a certain number of cycles over a fixed period. A patient can be given one drug at a time or a combination of different medications given simultaneously. For patients with metastatic uveal melanoma, adjuvant therapy that is additional treatment after the primary treatment, like chemotherapy after surgery, is being tested in clinical trials of eye cancer ^​5​.
• Treating liver metastases – Because intraocular melanoma commonly metastasizes to the liver, many people need treatment for the liver. A chemoembolization technique helps doctors separate the liver’s blood supply from the rest of the body and then directly deliver chemotherapy to the liver. However, the use of this treatment varies and is still being researched. 
• Palliative or supportive care – Clinical trials are underway to find better ways to reduce symptoms and side effects of the presently available eye cancer treatments to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

References