The following transcript has been edited for clarity. 

This is Diana V. Do, MD, at the Retinal Physician video channel. Today, I'm joined by Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, MD, MHS, from Stanford University. As an ocular oncologist, what are some key take-home points you would give to the busy retina specialist?

Dr. Mruthyunjaya: Thank you, Diana. In ocular oncology, we're really experiencing a renaissance of engagement with science and industry. Before, our patients with ocular melanoma—which is what many retina specialists would be the first to diagnose before referring—we didn't have so much to offer patients in terms of other therapies, other than radiation or enucleation. Now we have several players in this space that are looking at small tumors with using a bioactive injection and light-activated drug complex by Aura Biosciences. [Editor’s note: Belzupacap sarotalocan (also called AU-011) is currently being studied in the phase 3 CoMpass trial.] That could be a nonradiation way of treating small tumors.

For larger tumors, where we would typically have the risk of enucleation only, there are clinical trials underway by Ideaya Biosciences that are looking at a shrinking or neoadjuvant approach. [Editor’s note: Darovasertib (IDE196) is being studied in a phase 2 trial.]

Finally, one of the critical trials that many retina specialists could consider being a part of is the DRCR Retina Network’s Protocol AL, which is looking at, for the first time, prospective clinical trials to look at how to reduce the risk of radiation retinopathy in a medium-sized tumor. Right now, it's actually a very critical moment in ocular oncology and retina specialists are so important to help get patients into these trials.

Dr. Do: Thank you for giving us that important update, and thank you again for joining Retinal Physician. RP