Ocular Oncology

Our approach to ocular cancer treatment

Our ocular oncologists provide personalized eye cancer treatment, tailored to each patient's needs. We focus on minimizing side effects, preserving your sight and enhancing your quality of life.

Ocular melanoma diagnosis

We use highly specialized imaging techniques, designed specifically for the eye, to detect and diagnose ocular tumors. Our state-of-the-art tools include:

• MRI. An MRI shows detailed images of eye tumors and whether tumors have metastasized (spread) to nearby structures or other parts of your body.

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT). This advanced imaging technique creates 3D images of the inside of your eyes and your optic nerves, the nerves that carry signals between your eyes and brain.

• Biopsy. We use the least invasive biopsy methods possible to collect tissue samples from eye tumors for testing, including transretinal tumor biopsies and fine needle aspiration biopsies.

We also use advanced molecular profiling to examine genes in tumor cells to help us better predict how likely cancer is to metastasize. This information helps us plan treatment and improve outcomes.

Ocular melanoma treatment

As one of the leading ocular cancer programs in the country, we offer advanced treatments that target tumors while sparing healthy eye tissue, including:

Proton beam therapy for ocular melanoma

Proton beam therapy, a type of radiation therapy, is the gold standard for ocular melanoma treatment. UCSF Health has been at the forefront of proton beam therapy since 1978, making us one of the most experienced programs in the nation.

We are one of only a few programs in the U.S. – and a handful worldwide – to offer proton therapy using a dedicated eye beam line. This technology is specifically designed for eye tumors and delivers precisely focused radiation beams customized for each patient. This makes treatment more accurate and preserves as much of your natural eye and vision as possible.

Ocular brachytherapy

Ocular brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy. We stitch a tiny disc containing radioactive seeds to the surface of your eye, near the tumor. The disc delivers continuous radiation to the tumor over several days before your doctor removes it. We may recommend brachytherapy for people with tumors close to their field of vision.

External beam radiation therapy for ocular cancer

We may use external beam radiation for large, benign tumors in your eye or cancer that has spread to your eye from elsewhere in your body. Our radiation oncologists are renowned leaders in their field and use the safest, most advanced radiation technology available.

Surgery for ocular melanoma

If enucleation (removal of the entire eye) is necessary, our ocular oncologists work alongside ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons to rebuild your eye and eye socket using an implant.