Objective: The purpose of this guideline update is to reassess and update recommendations in the prior guideline from 2016 on the appropriate management of patients with uveal melanoma.
Methods: In 2021, a multidisciplinary working group from the Provincial Cutaneous Tumour Team, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services was convened to update the guideline. A comprehensive review of new research evidence in PubMed as well as new clinical practice guidelines from prominent oncology groups informed the update. An enhancement in methodology included adding levels of evidence and strength of recommendations. The updated guideline was circulated to all members of the Provincial Cutaneous Tumour Team for review and endorsement.
Results: New and modified recommendations address provider training requirements, diagnostic imaging for the detection of metastases, neo-adjuvant pre-enucleation radiotherapy, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents for radiation retinopathy, genetic prognostic testing, surveillance following definitive local therapy, and systemic therapy for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma.
Discussion: The recommendations represent evidence-based standards of care agreed to by a large multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals.
Keywords: choroidal melanoma; iris melanoma; melanoma; ocular melanoma; ophthalmology; practice guidelines; uveal melanoma.