Genetic determinants of uveal melanoma

Tumour Biol. 2014 Dec;35(12):11711-7. doi: 10.1007/s13277-014-2681-7. Epub 2014 Oct 9.

Abstract

Melanoma of the uveal tract is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. With advances in genetic research and the open source access of genetic databases, new insights are emerging into the molecular changes of this cancer. As with most other tumors, the driving force behind such research is the hope of finding and developing new modalities for therapeutic purposes, prognosticating disease and understanding risk factors for metastasis. With advances in proteomics, cytogenetics and gene profiling, the stage is set to unearth the underlying genetic basis which can in the future be a target of therapeutic modalities. This article describes the cytogenetic, molecular pathogenesis, and prognostic factors along with the most important findings and their attribution to current and future management of uveal melanoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Cell Cycle / genetics
  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Prognosis
  • Signal Transduction
  • Uveal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uveal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Uveal Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor

Supplementary concepts

  • Uveal melanoma