Uveal Melanoma: Basic Information
Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor of adults. Uveal melanoma is most common in the aging popoulation where the incidence in men (ages 70-74) is 24.5/million per year (in women of the same age range, the incidence is 17.8/million). Unlike cutaneous melanoma, the incidence of uveal melanoma appears to be unchanged over time. The cause of uveal melanoma is uncertain.
Suggested Reference: Singh AD, Topham A. Incidence of uveal melanoma in the United States: 1973-1997. Ophthalmology 2003:110:956-961.
Advances in the local control of this disease have not led to improved survival. Regrettably, there is no effective treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma. The research efforts of our group are dedicated to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying dissemination of uveal melanoma in order to develop novel diagnostic strategies and non-toxic, effective treatment strategies. The information gathered about uveal melanoma to date has enhanced our understanding of cancer biology in a variety of organ sites including cutaneous (skin) melanoma, ovarnian cancer, and some forms of breast cancer.