New Perspectives in Imaging of Uveal Melanoma

Abstract

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults characterized by insidious onset and poor prognosis strongly associated with tumor size and the presence of distant metastases, most commonly in the liver. Contrary to most tumor identification, biopsy followed by pathological exam is not recommended in ophthalmic oncology. Therefore, early and non-invasive diagnosis is essential to enhance patients’ chances for early treatment possibilities. We reviewed imaging modalities currently used in the diagnosis of uveal melanoma, i.e., fundus imaging, ultrasonography (US), optical coherence tomography (OCT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF). The principle of imaging techniques was briefly explained, along with their role in the diagnostic process and a summary of their advantages and limitations. Further, the experimental data and the advancements in imaging modalities were searched. We described their innovations, showed current usage and research, and explained the possibilities of utilizing them to diagnose uveal melanoma and their potential application in personalized medicine such as theranostics.

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography-Based Iodine Concentration Estimation for Evaluating Choroidal Malignant Melanoma Response to Treatment: Optimization and Primary Validation

“…However, at present, the use of contrast enhancement for CMM is mostly limited to the detection of metastatic lesions, and the technique is typically not used to assess the local response to the treatment [ 10 ]. This may be attributed to the fact that several issues need to be resolved to adequately assess CMM contrast enhancement in the clinic.…”