Failure of intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of choroidal metastasis

Background

Metastasis to choroid is the most common intraocular malignancy, arising most frequently from carcinoma of breast in women and lung in men. Recent case reports have described successful use of intravitreal bevacizumab to achieve local control of such tumours.

Materials and methods

Five cases of choroidal metastases from varying primaries: breast, lung, and colon were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab, and tumour response observed and documented with serial photographs and B-scans.

Results

Four of the five tumours were seen to progress despite intravitreal bevacizumab treatment.

Conclusions

Intravitreal bevacizumab as the primary treatment of choroidal metastases is not recommended and should not delay more effective alternative treatments.