Uveal metastasis from prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Although breast and lung cancers account for most metastatic tumors to the uvea, prostate carcinoma metastatic to the uvea is relatively rare.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 379 consecutive patients with uveal metastasis referred to the Ocular Oncology Service at the Wills Eye Hospital to determine the frequency of prostate carcinoma as the primary neoplasm.

RESULTS

Of 379 consecutive patients with uveal metastasis, the primary tumor was prostate carcinoma in 7 (2% of all patients, 5% of male patients). The mean age at ocular diagnosis was 66 years. In six patients (85%) a prior history of prostate carcinoma was known and the prior history of prostate carcinoma was known and the mean time interval between the diagnosis of the primary tumor and the uveal metastasis was 28 months. All seven patients were found to have active or regressed metastases elsewhere. The choroid was involved in six patients (85%) and the iris in one (15%). Ocular treatment included external-beam radiation therapy in five patients (70%) and episcleral radioactive plaque in two (30%). After a total mean follow-up of 84 months (range, 44-140 months) from the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma, two patients were still alive and five patients have died (mean, 6 months after diagnosis of uveal metastasis).

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate carcinoma can metastasize to the uvea and the presence of uveal metastasis is associated with a shorter survival time compared with metastasis to other sites.