Prognostic Biopsy of Choroidal Melanoma Before and After Ruthenium-106 Plaque Brachytherapy: Impact on Success of Cytogenetic Analysis.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To determine if the results of cytogenetic analyses of choroidal melanoma biopsies after ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy (RPB) are affected by this procedure. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 368 patients with choroidal melanoma treated with RPB who underwent cytogenetic testing at the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre (LOOC) between May 2012 and November 2024. Data on demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment date, biopsy timing (pre- or post-RPB), and cytogenetic results were extracted from the LOOC database. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, binary, and multinomial logistic regression to assess associations between biopsy timing and biopsy success rates. Results: Biopsies were performed before RPB in 58.7% (216/368) cases, and post-PBR in 41.3%. Cytomorphological identification and molecular genetic testing were successful in 96.4% and 85.1% cases, respectively. Timing of biopsy, patient demographics, and tumor characteristics did not significantly influence cytogenetic test outcomes. Molecular testing could not be performed on 6.8% (25/368) cases as the DNA was insufficient in these samples. Genetic testing success slightly declined beyond three months post-RPB, though a few cases had delayed biopsy (n = 8). Pre-RPB biopsies more frequently demonstrated monosomy 3, whereas post-RPB biopsies had higher rates of disomy 3 (χ², p < 0.05). Conclusions: Prognostic biopsies post-RPB provide reliable cytomorphological and molecular genetic results using MLPA or MSA. Test failure is not significantly influenced by biopsy timing, patient or tumor characteristics, biopsy modality, or genetic technique. Insufficient DNA yield remains a key limitation, emphasizing the importance of obtaining adequate tissue samples. Biopsies within three months are preferable to optimize success in molecular testing.