Eye melanoma

Advancing the care of patients with uveal melanoma

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Our Ocular Oncology Group is dedicated to advancing the care of patients with uveal melanoma, the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults.

Our work spans laboratory-based investigations of tumour biology and immune interactions, to innovations in localised therapies that preserve vision, and systemic treatments to reduce mortality.

Our supporters and collaborators include the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation, Save Sight Institute Registries (Fight Tumour Blindness!), NHMRC, the Melanoma Institute of Australia and global cancer research networks.

Research areas

Tackling metastatic disease with novel systematic therapies

Up to 50% of patients with uveal melanoma will develop metastatic disease, most commonly to the liver, and systemic options are historically limited, with poor survival outcomes.

  • Our group is leading and contributing to early-phase clinical trials of immunotherapies, targeted agents, and combination therapies aimed at reducing systemic spread and improving survival. 
  • Collaborations with medical oncology teams, including Associate Professor Anthony Joshua & Dr Rasha Cosman (Kinghorn Cancer Centre) and Associate Professor Fanfan Zhou (Pharmacy USyd) are yielding promising translational research on treatment resistance and tumour profiling. 
  • Research by Associate Professors Max Conway and Svetlana Cherepanoff has provided insights into tumour heterogeneity and metastatic pathways, helping

Preserving vision through precision radiotherapy

Historically, treatment of uveal melanoma often required enucleation (removal of the eye), resulting in irreversible blindness. New techniques aim to preserve the eye and vision while effectively treating the tumour.

  • Our team has developed and refined advanced local therapies including plaque brachytherapy and stereotactic, improving local tumour control while minimising radiation damage to critical ocular structures
  • Dr Wenchang Wong is at the forefront of optimising dosimetry and imaging protocols for safer, more effective delivery. These innovations have led to significant reductions in vision loss and improved patient quality of life.
  • Laboratory-based models are being developed that combine radiation and novel drug therapies for uveal melanoma.

Understanding the biology of uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma is biologically distinct from skin melanoma. Understanding its cell biology, genetics, and immune microenvironment is key to developing tailored therapies.

  • Studies by Associate Professors Max Conway, Svetlana Cherepanoff, and Michele Madigan are uncovering mechanisms of melanoma progression and immune evasion. Dr Cherepanoff's pathology work has identified key subtypes and differentiation markers, aiding both diagnosis and prognostication. 
  • Integration of single-cell sequencing and in vitro tumour models has deepened our understanding of tumour-immune interactions and opened pathways for immunomodulatory therapies.

Clinical trials

There remains a significant unmet need for therapies that both control local tumour growth and prevent metastasis. Historically, treatment was reactive and destructive; now, we strive for proactive, vision-sparing, and life-extending

  • Our Multidisciplinary Ocular Tumour Board (MDTB) was established more than 10 years ago as the first Ocular Tumour Board in Australia. The MDTB meets every two weeks including review of tumour genetics and potential clinical trials for patients. 
  • Our clinical trial program is exploring neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies to shrink tumours prior to local treatment, reduce recurrence, and prevent systemic spread. 
  • Current studies include immune checkpoint inhibitors, novel targeted therapies, and local-regional liver therapies in collaboration with oncology and interventional radiology teams. These trials aim to shift the paradigm from enucleation to organ preservation while aggressively managing systemic risk.

Contact us

Mailing address
South Block, Sydney Eye Hospital
8 Macquarie Street
Sydney, NSW 2000