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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:52
Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma
Published on: January 25, 2015
Gene therapy for uveal melanoma
Anika Bushra1,2, Joseph Irudayaraj3,4,5,6,7,8
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
Summary
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare eye cancer driven by genetic and epigenetic mutations. Gene therapy offers a promising approach to target these alterations for improved UM treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular cancer.
- UM has high morbidity and mortality rates despite its rarity.
- Genetic and epigenetic alterations drive UM oncogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current therapeutic options for primary and metastatic UM.
- To focus on gene therapy strategies targeting UM's genetic drivers.
- To discuss RNA interference, non-coding RNA, gene editing, gene replacement, and suicide gene therapies for UM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current therapeutic options for UM.
- Analysis of genetic and epigenetic mutations in UM.
- Evaluation of gene therapy approaches for UM treatment.
Main Results:
- Driver gene mutations (GNA11, GNAQ, BAP1, EIF1AX, SF3B1) and epigenetic modifications are key in UM.
- Gene therapy presents a feasible treatment strategy for UM.
- Various gene-based therapies show promise for UM treatment.
Conclusions:
- Targeting genetic and epigenetic drivers of UM is crucial for effective treatment.
- Gene therapy, including RNA interference and gene editing, holds significant potential for UM.
- Further research into prospective targeting strategies is needed for UM.
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