Uveal melanoma represents approximately 85% of all ocular melanomas and up to 50% of patients develop metastatic disease. So far, there is little evidence for the optimal management of this condition. This article discusses the research findings of a recent study that explores the biology of uveal melanoma and current targeted therapies in the metastatic disease. Uveal melanoma arises from melanocytes located in the uveal tract.
Approximately 85–90% of cases involve the choroid, while those remaining are localized to the iris or ciliary body. Uveal melanomas are biologically distinct from cutaneous melanoma, the most common subtype of ocular melanomas, and differ in terms of incidence by gender, race and geographical area. Metastasis of the disease Despite the development of effective local therapies, 5-year survival rates (∼80%) have not changed in the past three decades and up to 50%…
