Interdisciplinary Surveillance of Ocular Melanomas: Experiences in a German Tertiary Centre

Abstract

Abstract Background In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, there are no uniform guidelines regarding surveillance of ocular (uveal, conjunctival) melanomas. A consented standard operating procedure (SOP) by the “Netzwerk onkologische Spitzenzentren” Germany only exists for conjunctival melanoma but not for uveal melanoma. Surveillance is partially based on German S3-guidelines for cutaneous melanoma and is carried out by oncologic centres in a multidisciplinary approach. This study aims to evaluate patientsʼ adherence to surveillance programs and whether surveillance recommendations (examinations, intervals) can be realised. Methods Retrospective analysis of all ocular melanoma patients overseen at the University Hospital of Cologne between 2008 and 2019. The study evaluates rates of successful patient integration into a standardized surveillance program and patientsʼ surveillance adherence, subject to age, gender, primary therapy and tumour entity, respectively. Results 99 patients were included (56 female, 43 male), 83 of which had uveal melanomas and 16 conjunctival melanomas. Mean follow-up was 59 months. 81% of patients were integrated into a surveillance program. Surveillance was performed according to published recommendations in 78%. 13% of patients dropped out of the surveillance program after a mean period of 38 months. Conclusions Our data show a growing number of patients in standardized surveillance. However, there are still gaps. There is a need for guidelines specifically designed for ocular melanomas, allowing centres to offer patients an individualized approach.