Cancers, Vol. 11, Pages 1075: Uveal Melanoma Biopsy: A Review

Cancers, Vol. 11, Pages 1075: Uveal Melanoma Biopsy: A Review Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers11081075 Authors: Luisa Frizziero Edoardo Midena Sara Trainiti Davide Londei Laura Bonaldi Silvia Bini Raffaele Parrozzani Intraocular tumor diagnosis is based on clinical findings supported by additional imaging tools, such as ultrasound, optical coherence tomography and angiographic techniques, usually without the need for invasive procedures or tissue sampling. Despite improvements in the local treatment of uveal melanoma (UM), the prevention and treatment of the metastatic disease remain unsolved, and nearly 50% of patients develop liver metastasis. The current model suggests that tumor cells have already spread by the time of diagnosis, remaining dormant until there are favorable conditions. Tumor sampling procedures at the time of primary tumor diagnosis/treatment are therefore now commonly performed, usually not to confirm the diagnosis of UM, but to obtain a tissue sample for prognostication, to assess patient’s specific metastatic risk. Moreover, several studies are ongoing to identify genes specific to UM tumorigenesis, leading to several potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Genetic information can also influence the surveillance timing and metastatic screening type of patients affected by UM. In spite of the widespread use of biopsies in general surgical practice, in ophthalmic oncology the indications and contraindications for tumor biopsy continue...
Source: Cancers - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research