Proceedings of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and Champalimaud Foundation Ocular Oncogenesis and Oncology Conference

Abstract

The 2018 Ocular Oncogenesis and Oncology Conference was held through a partnership of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and the Champalimaud Foundation. Twenty-one experts from international ocular oncology centers, from the Champalimaud Clinical Centre and the Champalimaud Foundation Cancer Research Program, and from patient advocacy organizations, delivered lectures on subjects that ranged from global ocular oncology, to basic research in mechanisms of ocular malignancy, to clinical research in ocular cancers, and to anticipated future developments in the area. The scientific program of the conference covered a broad range of ocular tumors—including uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, ocular surface tumors, and adnexal and intraocular lymphomas—and pathogenesis and management were deliberated in the context of the broader systemic cancer discipline. In considering the latest basic and clinical research developments in ocular oncogenesis and oncology, and providing the opportunity for cross-talk between ocular cancer biologists, systemic cancer biologists, ocular oncologists, systemic oncologists, patients, and patient advocates, the forum generated new knowledge and novel insights for the field. This report summarizes the content of the invited talks at the 2018 ARVO-Champalimaud Foundation Ocular Oncogenesis and Oncology Conference.

Vitreoretinal Lymphoma

“…There continues to be debate around the role of different types of testing of ocular fluids, particularly for the diagnosis of VRL. At many centers, cytology, often combined with flow cytometry, is required to make the diagnosis [100]. However, for both technical and pathological reasons, this can be challenging [101], and the negative predictive value of cytology has been estimated at approximately 60% [102].…”

The role of social media in ophthalmology: a narrative review

“…Finally, social media have been used to address gaps in access to ocular oncology in Brazil. The use of WhatsApp-based telemedicine and YouTube videos has helped local ophthalmologists to establish the diagnosis and treat patients with uveal melanoma without the need for travel [21].…”

Intraocular chemotherapy for vitreoretinal lymphoma: A review

“…Today, the largest experience with intravitreal methotrexate therapy for VRL has occurred at Hadassah University. At the 2018 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and Champalimaud Foundation Oncogenesis and Oncology Conference, Professor Jacob Pe'er lectured about the team's experience dating back more than 20 years, as summarized in the meeting proceedings . In total, the group has treated 122 eyes of 74 patients with VRL, and have observed remission of the tumour in all cases after a range of 2 to 16 intravitreal methotrexate injections.…”

“…At the 2018 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and Champalimaud Foundation Oncogenesis and Oncology Conference, Professor Jacob Pe'er lectured about the team's experience dating back more than 20 years, as summarized in the meeting proceedings. 50 In total, the group has treated 122 eyes of 74 patients with VRL, and have observed remission of the tumour in all cases after a range of 2 to 16 intravitreal methotrexate injections. A small number of recurrent cases have been successfully re-treated, and side effects are described as "mostly superficial and temporary".…”