The Research Laboratory of the Ocular Oncology Service at Washington University is recognized as one of the leading centers in the world for research in ocular tumors. 

Some of our ongoing studies include:

Molecular Prognostic Testing in Ocular (Uveal) Melanoma

The Ocular Oncology Research Laboratory is the leader in molecular prognostic testing of ocular tumors in the United States and has established collaborations for performing molecular testing with most of the major ocular oncology centers in North America and around the world. The goal of this research is to reliably and accurately determine which uveal melanomas are at high risk for metastasis, so that preventative therapies can be identified to improve survival in this patients. See additional information at http://eyetumor.wustl.edu/MolecularTesting.aspx.

Molecular Cancer Research

The Ocular Oncology Research Laboratory is actively investigating the causes of uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma and other ocular tumors. Numerous discoveries in the laboratory may lead to new treatments for eye tumors and their metastasis. Several new potential treatments are currently under development in the laboratory.

Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS)

Dr. Harbour is the institutional principal investigator for this clinical study involving many centers across the country to determine the best treatment for patients with medium and large melanomas involving the choroid and ciliary body. Two important results of this study were that: (1) There is no advantage for patients with large melanomas requiring enucleation to be given external beam radiotherapy prior to enucleation, and (2) enucleation is not superior to plaque radiotherapy in reducing the risk of metastasis for medium sized uveal melanomas. Patients are counseled on the results of the COMS during their consultation with Dr. Harbour.