Open Access

REVIEW

Biological characteristics and clinical management of uveal and conjunctival melanoma

by SNJEŽANA KAŠTELAN^1,2, ANA DIDOVIĆ PAVIČIĆ³, DARIA PAŠALIĆ⁴, TAMARA NIKUŠEVA-MARTIĆ⁵, SAMIR ČANOVIĆ^3,7, PETRA KOVAČEVIĆ^1,6,*, SUZANA KONJEVODA^3,7

1 School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
2 Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
3 Department of Ophthalmology, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
4 Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
5 Department of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
6 School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, 21000, Croatia
7 Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Zadar, 23000, Croatia

* Corresponding Author: PETRA KOVAČEVIĆ. Email:

Oncology Research 2024, 32(8), 1265-1285. https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2024.048437

Received 07 December 2023; Accepted 23 April 2024; Issue published 17 July 2024

Abstract

Uveal and conjunctival melanomas are relatively rare tumors; nonetheless, they pose a significant risk of mortality for a large number of affected individuals. The pathogenesis of melanoma at different sites is very similar, however, the prognosis for patients with ocular melanoma remains unfavourable, primarily due to its distinctive genetic profile and tumor microenvironment. Regardless of considerable advances in understanding the genetic characteristics and biological behaviour, the treatment of uveal and conjunctival melanoma remains a formidable challenge. To enhance the prospect of success, collaborative efforts involving medical professionals and researchers in the fields of ocular biology and oncology are essential. Current data show a lack of well-designed randomized clinical trials and limited benefits in current forms of treatment for these tumors. Despite advancements in the development of effective melanoma therapeutic strategies, all current treatments for uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma (CoM) remain unsatisfactory, resulting in a poor long-term prognosis. Ongoing trials offer hope for positive outcomes in advanced and metastatic tumors. A more comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular abnormalities involved in the development and progression of ocular melanomas opens the way for the development of personalized therapy, with various potential therapeutic targets currently under consideration. Increased comprehension of the molecular pathogenesis of UM and CoM and their specificities may aid in the development of new and more effective systemic therapeutic agents, with the hope of improving the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease.

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