Uveal melanoma pathobiology: Metastasis to the liver

Semin Cancer Biol. 2021 Jun:71:65-85. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.003. Epub 2020 May 22.

Abstract

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a type of intraocular tumor with a propensity to disseminate to the liver. Despite the identification of the early driver mutations during the development of the pathology, the process of UM metastasis is still not fully comprehended. A better understanding of the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors participating to its spread and metastatic outgrowth could provide additional approaches for UM treatment. In this review, we will discuss the advances made towards the understanding of the pathogenesis of metastatic UM, summarize the current and prospective treatments, and introduce some of the ongoing research in this field.

Keywords: Animal models; Biomarkers; Cell-based in vitro models; Genetic indicators; Liver metastasis; Uveal melanoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Uveal Neoplasms / pathology*

Supplementary concepts

  • Uveal melanoma