Background Proton beam therapy is a well-established treatment option for patients with uveal melanoma (UM). The treatment procedure, in general, includes placing radiopaque clips to ensure exact eye-positioning during radiotherapy, followed by the delivery of proton irradiation. The short-term burden associated with proton therapy in patients with UM has rarely been addressed. In this prospective study, we investigated the physiological and psychological aspects of proton therapy that might affect the well-being of patients during the different stages of treatment. Methods During the treatment procedure, we conducted longitudinal assessments of the Quality of life (QOL), organ-specific symptoms, and psychological aspects in patients with UM with three questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-OPT30, and GAD-7). Patients completed questionnaires before clip surgery (T0), before proton therapy (T1), after completing treatment (T2), and three months after treatment completion (T3). We also collected data on tumor characteristics and socio-demographics to identify potential risk factors associated with high treatment burdens. Results We prospectively included 131 consecutive patients. Questionnaire data showed a significant, temporary decline in global QOL and an increase in eye-related symptoms, as a result of the clip surgery (T0–T1). After treatment completion (T2), global QOL improved gradually, and none of the eye-related symptoms significantly deteriorated over the course of proton therapy. The global QOL returned to baseline levels three months after treatment (T3). We identified baseline anxiety as an independent risk factor for experiencing an acute treatment-related burden. Furthermore, we found interactions between GAD7 and patient sex showing that anxiety had a more pronounced effect on QOL outcome in female patients. Conclusion The short-term treatment-related burden of ocular proton therapy appeared to be largely associated with the preceding clip surgery, rather than the irradiation procedure. We found that anxiety was strongly associated with experiencing QOL issues during the treatment procedure. Our findings could contribute to the development of future strategies for improving the treatment process and psycho-oncologic patient care.

Introduction Proton beam therapy is an established primary treatment for patients with non-metastasized uveal melanoma. Adjuvant local interventions, like intravitreal injections or surgery, were shown to improve long-term eye preservation; however, their impact on the patient’s quality of life (QOL) remains unknown. Methods In a post-radiotherapeutic follow-up, we prospectively collected data on QOL, visual acuity, and interventional adjuvant procedures. QOL was measured with QOL-C30 and QLQ-OPT30 questionnaires at baseline, and at three and twelve months after proton therapy. Patients were grouped by the type of adjuvant treatment. Impact on QOL was analyzed by comparing changes in mean score values and visual acuity for different interventional subgroups, with generalized linear mixed models and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results We received 108 (100%) and 95 (88.0%) questionnaires at three and twelve months post-therapy, respectively. Adjuvant interventions included: observation (n=61, 56.5%), intravitreal injections (n=17, 15.7%), and an intraocular surgical procedure (n=30, 27.8%). In the latter group, several QOL items significantly declined after the 3 month adjuvant interval, but they partially recovered at the 12-month follow-up. In all adjuvant-intervention groups, global QOL scores returned to baseline levels at 12 months. Conclusion Post-treatment adjuvant interventions had no long-lasting effects on QOL in patients with uveal melanoma.

Objective We prospectively addressed whether patient characteristics, oncological outcomes, or metastatic risk impacted depression and anxiety in patients undergoing curative proton treatment for uveal melanoma (UM). Methods We assessed patient‐reported outcomes regarding anxiety (GAD‐7) before and 2 years after proton therapy and depression (PHQ‐9) before, 1, and 2 years after proton therapy. We performed descriptive statistics and used linear mixed effect modeling to analyze how the oncological outcome and baseline characteristics impacted anxiety and depression scores. Results Of 130 (65 female) patients included, six developed metastatic disease and three died during the 2‐year follow‐up. The mean anxiety declined from 5.86 (SE = 0.56) at baseline to 3.74 (SE = 0.46) at 2 years (β = 2.11; SE = 0.6; p < .001). Depressive symptoms decreased moderately from 4.36 (SE = 0.37) at baseline to 3.67 (SE = 0.38) 2 years later. Patients with unfavorable metastatic risk or disease progression had elevated anxiety and depression scores. Although female patients reported overall higher anxiety scores, both sexes recovered substantially and to a similar extent during the 2‐year follow‐up (β = 2.35; SE 0.87; p = .007 vs. β = 1.88; SE = 0.60; p = .002). A trend for prolonged depressive symptoms was observed in patients living alone compared to patients living with family members 1 year after the treatment (M = 5.04 [SE = 0.85] vs. M = 3.73 [SE = 0.31], β = 1.32; SE = 0.92; p = .152). Patients with high baseline anxiety levels showed initially more severe depressive symptoms, which improved significantly during follow‐up (β = 1.65; SE = 0.68; p = .017). Conclusion Most patients undergoing proton therapy for UM experienced mild, transient depressive symptoms and anxiety. Patients with high pre‐treatment anxiety, unfavorable prognoses, and patients living alone may be more vulnerable to prolonged depressive symptoms. To these patients a more tailored support could be offered at an early stage of the disease.

Background Cytogenetic testing (CGT) in uveal melanoma patients reveals prognostic information about the individual risk of developing distant metastasis with dismal prognosis. There is currently no medical intervention strategy with proven effect on the prognosis, rendering the result of the cytogenetic testing purely informative. We explored patients’ socio-demographic backgrounds, psychological preconditions, coping strategies, external influences, and concerns about “knowing their fate” to study their possible interactions with decision-making for CGT. Methods Uveal melanoma patients were asked to complete questionnaires on their interest in undergoing CGT for prognostication and the factors influencing their decision. Data were collected on socio-demographics, baseline anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), coping strategies (Brief COPE), and assumed future concerns regarding the CGT result. Data were analyzed by using multiple ordinal logistic regression and exploring estimated marginal effects. Results Questionnaires were returned by 121 of 131 (92.4%) patients. Fifty-two patients (43%) had no interest in CGT, 34 (28.1%) were undecided, and 35 (28.9%) were interested. We observed no significant differences regarding age, sex, partnership, education, occupation, baseline anxiety, or depression. Decision-making favoring CGT was influenced by the treating physicians, internet resources, and level of baseline anxiety. Patients were likely to reject CGT when they worried that “knowing the result will have an unintended influence” on their life. Conclusion Decision-making about CGT for prognostication in uveal melanoma is burdensome to many patients and in general not guided by medical advice regarding further treatment and screening procedures. The psychological impact of the decision is therefore unique and requires careful support by psycho-oncologists considering the patient’s fears and expectations.

BackgroundCytogenetic testing (CGT) in uveal melanoma patients reveals prognostic information about the individual risk of developing distant metastasis with dismal prognosis. There is currently no medical intervention strategy with proven effect on the prognosis, rendering the result of the cytogenetic testing purely informative. We explored patients’ socio-demographic backgrounds, psychological preconditions, coping strategies, external influences, and concerns about “knowing their fate” to study their possible interactions with decision-making for CGT.MethodsUveal melanoma patients were asked to complete questionnaires on their interest in undergoing CGT for prognostication and the factors influencing their decision. Data were collected on socio-demographics, baseline anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), coping strategies (Brief Cope), and assumed future concerns regarding the CGT result. Data were analyzed by using multiple ordinal logistic regression and exploring estimated marginal effects.ResultsQuestionnaires were returned by 121 of 131 (92.4%) patients. Fifty-two patients (43%) had no interest in CGT, 34 (28.1%) were undecided, and 35 (28.9%) were interested. We observed no significant differences regarding age, sex, partnership, education, occupation, baseline anxiety, or depression. Decision-making favoring CGT was influenced by the treating physicians, internet resources, and level of baseline anxiety. Patients were likely to reject CGT when they worried that “knowing the result will have an unintended influence” on their life.ConclusionDecision-making about CGT for prognostication in uveal melanoma is burdensome to many patients and in general not guided by medical advice regarding further treatment and screening procedures. The psychological impact of the decision is therefore unique and requires careful support by psycho-oncologists considering the patient’s fears and expectations.