Collaborative Melanoma Study
Alternative reference to COMS, the landmark multi-center randomized clinical trial that established treatment standards for choroidal melanoma.
Full Definition
The Collaborative Melanoma Study, more commonly referenced by its acronym COMS (Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study), represents the most significant randomized clinical trial in ocular oncology history. This multi-institutional study, conducted from 1986 to 1994, enrolled over 2,400 patients and established evidence-based treatment guidelines for choroidal melanoma management. The study consisted of three randomized trials comparing enucleation versus plaque radiotherapy for medium tumors, pre-enucleation radiation versus enucleation alone for large tumors, and observation versus immediate treatment for small melanomas. Results demonstrated equivalent survival outcomes between enucleation and plaque radiotherapy for medium-sized tumors while preserving the eye, fundamentally changing clinical practice worldwide.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as COMS; emphasize landmark status in melanoma treatment standards.
In Context
- "Treatment recommendations followed protocols established by the Collaborative Melanoma Study for medium-sized choroidal melanomas." — Treatment planning note
- "The Collaborative Melanoma Study demonstrated non-inferiority of plaque radiotherapy compared to enucleation for survival outcomes." — Literature review