Chromosomal 3 and 8 status within hepatic metastasis of uveal melanoma

Several studies have evaluated clinical, histopathologic, cytogenetic, and molecular prognostic variables in uveal melanoma. However, it is not known whether the primary tumor cells maintain these aggressive attributes at the metastatic sites.

To determine the status of chromosomes 3 and 8q and c-myc amplification using fluorescence in situ hybridization on hepatic metastatic lesions of primary uveal melanoma.

Ten patients with uveal melanoma with needle core biopsy-confirmed hepatic metastasis. Representative paraffin blocks were selected based on review of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed for detection of monosomy 3 and amplification at the 8q24 MYC locus using standard methods. The tricolor chromosome enumeration probe 8 (CEP8)/IGH/MYC and the Urovysion probe consisting of CEP3, CEP7, CEP17, and 9P21 probes were used. A total of 200 interphase cells were scored.

Hepatic metastasis was confirmed in each case by needle core biopsy. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed chromosome 3 monosomy in 5 of the 8 cases that could be satisfactorily evaluated. Aneusomy of chromosome 8 was observed in 2 cases. MYC amplification was observed in 5 samples. In a single case where the primary tumor was treated by enucleation, the chromosomal monosomy 3 and aneusomy of chromosome 8 were present both in the primary tumor and its hepatic metastatic lesion.

The presence of cytogenetic changes within the metastatic lesions confirms that chromosome 3 monosomy and aneusomy of chromosome 8 are not just markers of metastatic potential of the primary tumor but are also present within the hepatic metastatic lesions.