MAR 11, 2013
Ocular Pathology/Oncology
The authors review what has been learned in uveal melanoma research and what is being done to gain a complete understanding of uveal melanoma pathogenesis. They summarize the most important work to date in molecular and genetic profiling and biologic signaling pathways, and then discuss how this work may translate into new treatments.
In DNA evaluation, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification has been proven in large studies to have a high predictive power for melanoma prognosis. Regarding RNA evaluation, gene expression profiling is showing promise. In the area of harvesting tissue for genetic evaluation, fine-needle aspiration biopsy has proven to be a successful approach. They also write that biologic signaling pathways could be the most rewarding and clinically applicable to practical management of melanoma, with hope for agents that target pathway abnormalities and lead to improved patient survival.
They conclude that the future of uveal melanoma treatment involves targeting pathway abnormalities.