Purpose: We analyzed the additional prognostic information from cytopathologic data obtained at the time of uveal melanoma irradiation.
Methods: Fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) were performed and reviewed in a masked manner. These data and standard prognostic variables were correlated with survival and local tumor recurrence using Kaplan-Meier and Cox model statistical techniques.
Results: Cytopathologic assessment of cell type added to prognostic accuracy. In 116 patients, the percentage of epithelioid cells on FNAB and ciliary body involvement were most strongly correlated with melanoma-related mortality.
Conclusions: FNAB data improved our prognostic accuracy in irradiated uveal melanoma patients.