Update on Ophthalmic Oncology 2012: Advances in Retinoblastoma and Uveal Melanoma

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to review the major advances in both translational and clinical research in 2 diseases, retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma, from November 2011 through October 2012. Design: Literature Review. Methods: A MEDLINE search was performed using the search terms “retinoblastoma” and “uveal melanoma.” All relevant articles were reviewed, and articles with the most clinical relevance were reported. Results: In retinoblastoma, new clinical data are emerging every year regarding the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial chemotherapy as well as other even newer modalities such as intravitreal chemotherapy. Globe salvage rates for eyes without vitreous seeding approach 100% and are increasing to 80% for those with seeds with new methods of treatment. In uveal melanoma, our understanding of the genetic pathways underlying this disease is improving each day and leading to the initiation of clinical trials for adjuvant therapy and metastatic disease. Conclusions: Ocular oncology is a small but dynamic field in which our knowledge is increasing every day. Exciting data emerged in the fields of both retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma this year.