Genetic Analysis of Uveal Melanoma in 658 Patients Using the Cancer Genome Atlas Classification of Uveal Melanoma as A, B, C, and D

Abstract

Purpose: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) classification has been validated for uveal melanoma (UM) prognostication. We applied TCGA classification to UM biopsied using fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to determine the predictability for metastasis and death.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Participants: Patients with UM treated with plaque radiotherapy at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from October 1, 2008, through December 31, 2018, who completed genetic analysis of chromosomes 3 and 8 after FNAB.

Methods: Tumors were classified as A, B, C, or D and were compared using the chi-square test, Fisher exact test, analysis of variance, and Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Main outcome measures: Metastasis and death.

Results: Six hundred fifty-eight UM patients were categorized accordingly as TCGA class A (n = 342 [52%]), B (n = 91 [14%]), C (n = 118 [18%]), and D (n = 107 [16%]). More advanced tumor classification revealed older mean patient age (56 vs. 53 vs. 60 vs. 63 years, respectively; P < 0.001), worse presenting visual acuity (20/20-20/50: 81% vs. 67% vs. 71% vs. 66%, respectively; P < 0.001), greater distance from the optic disc (3.5 vs. 4.9 vs. 5.7 vs. 5.3 mm, respectively; P < 0.001), larger tumor basal diameter (10.3 vs. 12.9 vs. 13.9 vs. 15.3 mm, respectively; P < 0.001), and greater tumor thickness (4.3 vs. 6.1 vs. 6.6 vs. 7.5 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). After mean follow-up (47.6 vs. 47.6 vs. 42.9 vs. 28.7 months, respectively; P < 0.001), more advanced TCGA class was associated with increased risk of metastasis (3% vs. 10% vs. 25% vs. 41%, respectively; P < 0.001) and death (1% vs. 0% vs. 3% vs. 9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Compared with class A, the 5-year hazard ratio for metastasis increased at 4.1 (B vs. A; P = 0.01), 10.1 (C vs. A; P < 0.001), and 30.0 (D vs. A; P < 0.001). The 5-year hazard ratio for death increased at 3.1 (C vs. A; P = 0.11) and 13.7 (D vs. A; P < 0.001) with no deaths in class B.

Conclusions: Grouping of UM using TCGA classification predicts the risk of melanoma-related metastasis and death.