Survival rates with uveal melanoma in the United States: 1973–1997

: PurposeTo determine variations in 5-year relative survival rates with primary uveal melanoma in the United States over a 25-year period from 1973 to 1997.: DesignSystematic review of existing databases.: ParticipantsTwo thousand four hundred ninety-three patients with primary uveal melanoma, International Classification of Oncology [ICDO-2] codes C69.3 [choroid melanoma] and C69.4 [ciliary body and iris]) derived from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program database in the United States from 1973 to 1997.: MethodsThe patients were stratified according to the treatment (surgery or radiotherapy). The relative 5-year survival was calculated for 2054 patients diagnosed between 1973 and 1993 by the life table method using US life expectancy tables.: Main outcome measuresThe relative 5-year survival rate.: ResultsSurgical treatment was performed in 1476 (72%) cases, and radiotherapy was given in 300 (15%) cases. The proportion of cases treated by radiotherapy increased progressively from 2% to 28% in 20 years. Relative 5-year survival rates ranged from 77% to 84% without a statistically significant variation.: ConclusionsAdvances made in the local methods of treatment of primary uveal melanoma have not led to an improvement in survival. Systemic approaches to management of uveal melanoma are warranted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]