Publication:

A review of prognostic biomarkers in uveal melanomas

Prognostication of uveal melanomas (UM) has evolved from basic histopathological factors like tumour size, location and cell morphology to more sophisticated methods like counting chromosomal gains and losses which can be detected using FISH analysis and karyotyping. A number of driver mutations have been discovered which allow testing of response to targeted therapies. GNAQ and GNA11 mutations are early events while BAP1, SF3B1 and EIF1AX mutations occur later. Gene expression profiling is a highly accurate and informative standard for molecular prognostication. In addition, since UM spreads hematogenously, therefore, blood biomarkers may be helpful for monitoring the disease progression. Thus, understanding the prognostic significance of these mutations and blood biomarkers could facilitate their use in precision medicine