Impact of Choroidal Melanoma Characteristics on Progression-Free Survival in Patients Undergoing Hypofractionated Stereotactic Photon Radiotherapy

INTRODUCTION: In an effort to replace ultrasonography-based thickness measurements, we investigated whether choroidal melanoma characteristics are related to progression-free survival (PFS) in patients monitored after linear accelerator (LINAC)-based hypofractionated stereotactic photon radiotherapy. METHODS: In a retrospective dataset, we used a linear mixed model to assess the associations between PFS and tumor characteristics; in particular, thickness, largest basal diameter (LBD), base area and volume. RESULTS: Thickness and LBD are statistically significantly associated with PFS. In a subgroup of 16 patients undergoing enucleation due to melanoma recurrence or progression, there were statistically significant changes in mean thickness and LBD before surgery. Mean PFS was 42 ± 30 months. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography-based thickness measurements may not be necessary for treated choroidal melanoma monitoring; instead, we propose sequential LBD assessments, which should preferably be performed using fundus photography in future.