Genomic, prognostic, and cell-signaling advances in uveal melanoma

Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2013:388-91. doi: 10.14694/EdBook_AM.2013.33.388.

Abstract

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the second-most common form of melanoma and the most common primary intraocular malignancy. Up to one-half of patients are at risk for fatal metastatic disease. The metastatic potential of an individual tumor can be accurately determined by analysis of a fine-needle aspirate with gene expression profiling assay that is available for routine clinical use through a commercial Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratory. The test renders one of two results-class 1 (low metastatic risk) or class 2 (high metastatic risk)-and has been extensively validated in multiple centers. Until recently, the genetic mutations and signaling aberrations in UM were largely unknown. With the advent of new genomic sequencing technologies, however, the molecular landscape of UM is rapidly emerging. Mutations in the Gq alpha subunits GNAQ and GNA11 are mutually exclusive and represent early or initiating events that constitutively activate the MAPK pathway. Mutations in BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) and splicing factor 3B subunit 1 (SF3B1) also appear to be largely mutually exclusive, and they occur later in tumor progression. BAP1 mutations are strongly associated with metastasis, whereas SF3B1 mutations are associated with a more favorable outcome. BAP1 mutations can arise in the germ line, leading to a newly described BAP1 familial cancer syndrome. These discoveries have led to new clinical trials to assess several classes of compounds, including MEK, protein kinase C, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, in the adjuvant setting for high-risk patients identified as class 2, as well as in the setting of advanced disseminated disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genes, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Melanoma* / classification
  • Melanoma* / epidemiology
  • Melanoma* / genetics
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / genetics
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics
  • Prognosis
  • RNA Splicing Factors
  • Ribonucleoprotein, U2 Small Nuclear / genetics
  • Risk
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / genetics
  • Uveal Melanoma
  • Uveal Neoplasms* / classification
  • Uveal Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Uveal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Uveal Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • BAP1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • RNA Splicing Factors
  • Ribonucleoprotein, U2 Small Nuclear
  • SF3B1 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase