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Molecular Pathways Mediating Liver Metastasis in Patients with Uveal Melanoma

Authors' Affiliation: Henry C. Witelson Ocular Pathology Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Requests for reprints: Silvin Bakalian, Henry C. Witelson Ocular Pathology Laboratory, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Room 216, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B4. Phone: 514-398-7192, ext. 00384; Fax: 514-398-5728; E-mail: sbakalian{at}hotmail.com.

Abstract

Uveal melanoma arises from melanocytes located in the uveal tract of the eye and is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. Metastatic liver disease is the overwhelming cause of death in uveal melanoma patients, with almost 50% of patients developing liver metastases up to 15 years after diagnosis. Most of these patients do not present with any evidence of overt metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis although it is assumed that they have undetectable micrometastases. Currently, there are no therapeutic modalities to prevent or efficiently treat the metastatic disease in uveal melanoma patients. Recent discoveries have shed light on the molecular pathways that may contribute to the progression of liver metastasis. The aim of this review is to describe new insights into the genetic and molecular pathways that may play a role in the development of liver metastases in uveal melanoma patients.