Ocular Oncology and Eye Tumor Program

Our approach to advanced care for ocular melanoma and other eye tumors

At the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, you have access to world-renowned ophthalmologists (eye specialists), radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists.

We work closely with specialists from Mass Eye & Ear, the world’s largest vision research center. These collaborations allow us to create personalized treatment plans that meet your needs from initial consultation to treatment and beyond.

Early detection of eye cancer is critical to prevent vision loss and cancer from spreading.

Our specialists are among the best in the world at diagnosing and treating this rare disease and ready to help you navigate your care before, during, and after treatment.

We are home to one of the only centers in the world offering a type of proton beam therapy specifically created to treat eye tumors.

Proton therapy delivers tiny radiation particles that stop at their target. This reduces the effects of radiation on nearby parts of the body. For eye cancers, this therapy can help save healthy eye tissue and prevent vision loss.

Uveal melanoma is the most common eye cancer in adults and is different from other melanomas. When uveal melanoma spreads (metastasizes), it often impacts the liver.

The Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute is a leader in treating advanced uveal melanoma using liver-directed therapies that target metastatic disease while limiting effects on the rest of the body. These highly specialized treatments are offered at select centers.

Not every patient requires proton therapy. Tumor size, location, or shape may require other types of radiation therapy.

These techniques create a detailed map of the tumor that guides targeted therapy using:

• Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) adjusts radiation strength based on a tumor’s distance from healthy tissues
• Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) adjusts beam strength according to the thickest areas of the tumor