New in JOURNAL ONKOLOGIE: Comprehensive VRL update and DECODE VRL study status

We are pleased that in the latest issue of JOURNAL ONKOLOGIE (11/2025) A detailed CME training article has been published. Under the title “Vitreoretinal lymphoma — basics, clinical care, unmet needs and the DECODE VRL study” Prof. Dr. Kakkassery, Dr. Rösner and Prof. Dr. Fend provide an in-depth insight into the current state of science.

This article combines basic clinical knowledge with the latest findings from our research work and highlights the urgent “Unmet Needs” in care.

The main areas of the article

The article provides a detailed overview for ophthalmologists and oncologists:

• Diagnostic challenges: VRL often occurs as “masquerade syndrome” and is clinically very similar to intermedia uveitis, which often leads to delays in diagnosis.

• Gold standard limitations: The classic PARS plana vitrectomy for sample collection continues to show a relevant rate of false-negative results.

• Molecular Innovation: Presentation of new diagnostic approaches, such as mutation profiling (e.g. MYD88) and miRNA analyses, which promise significantly higher sensitivity.

• Therapy update: Insight into current therapeutic strategies, from intravireal injection (methotrexate/rituximab) to systemic therapy, and the importance of interdisciplinary tumor boards.

Focus: The DECODE VRL Study

The article also presents our study concept as an answer to existing supply gaps. The aim is to close the diagnostic gap through standardized molecular diagnostics.

A recent look at the status of the study shows the positive response:

• 13 centers have already been successfully initiated.

• Another 7 locations have confirmed their willingness to cooperate.

• 220 patients should be included as a whole.

Use CME training

Particularly interesting for medical colleagues: This article is CME training certified. You can test your VRL knowledge and earn continuing education credits by answering questions about epidemiology, diagnostics and treatment.

👉 Click here for the article and the CME test.