Chromosome 3 and 8q aberrations in Uveal Melanoma show greater impact on survival in patients with light iris versus dark iris color

Impact of Tumor Pigmentation in 6934 Patients with Uveal Melanoma at a Single Center

Purpose

To evaluate clinical features and outcomes associated with degree of tumor pigmentation in patients with uveal melanoma (UM) of the choroid and ciliary body.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Subjects

Six thousand nine hundred thirty-four consecutive patients with choroidal or ciliary body melanoma between 1971 and 2007 from a single ocular oncology center.

Methods

Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment approach, and clinical outcomes were collected. Comparisons between pigmented (>80% pigmentation by surface area), partially pigmented (20%-80%), and nonpigmented tumors (<20%) were performed using relevant hypothesis testing. Survival analyses for metastasis and melanoma-related death were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests for univariate comparisons. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the independent effects of multiple covariates on time-to-metastasis.

Main Outcome Measures

Extraocular extension, ocular melanocytosis, time to tumor recurrence, tumor location, and melanoma-related metastasis and death.

Results

There were 6934 eyes with UM and the degree of tumor pigmentation was classified as pigmented (n = 3762; 54%), partially pigmented (n = 2115; 31%), or nonpigmented (n = 1057; 15%). Pigmented UM was associated with extraocular extension (P < 0.001), ocular melanocytosis (P = 0.003), earlier tumor recurrence (P < 0.001), and more anterior tumor epicenter location (ciliary body, and equator to ora serrata) (P < 0.001). Pigmented UMs also exhibited the highest 10-year metastasis rate at 26%, compared with 19% for partially pigmented UMs and 16% for nonpigmented UMs (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated differences among the tumor pigmentation groups for melanoma-related metastasis (P < 0.001) and melanoma-related death (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis for melanoma-related metastasis showed that pigmented UMs had a 29% higher relative risk of developing metastasis compared with partially pigmented UMs (P = 0.002) and a 54% higher relative risk of developing metastasis compared with nonpigmented UMs (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pigmented choroidal and ciliary body melanoma is more often associated with ocular melanocytosis, extraocular extension, anterior tumor epicenter, and earlier tumor recurrence. We also revealed that patients with pigmented UMs demonstrate a higher 10-year rate of metastatic disease and have decreased metastatic survival relative to partially pigmented and nonpigmented UMs.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Survival in Patients with Uveal Melanoma Is Linked to Genetic Variation at HERC2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs12913832

PURPOSE

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare disease, with the highest incidence in people with fair skin and light eyes. Eye color is largely genetically determined and is defined by a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We set out to determine whether we could identify a SNP related to prognosis.

DESIGN

We sequenced DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 392 patients with UM and obtained the genotype of 6 common eye color-related SNPs. Clinical and histopathologic tumor characteristics, tumor chromosome status, and patient survival were compared among patients with different genotypes.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred ninety-two patients who underwent enucleation for UM at the Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

METHODS

We isolated DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes of 392 patients with UM and performed sequencing, using 6 eye color SNPs from the HIrisPlex-S assay (Erasmus MC, Walsh lab). The genotypes extracted from the sequencing data were uploaded onto the HIrisPlexwebtool (https://hirisplex.erasmusmc.nl/) for eye color prediction. We tested the association of eye color SNPs with tumor characteristics and chromosome aberrations using Pearson's chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U test and evaluated survival with Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test and Cox regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Uveal melanoma-related survival.

RESULTS

Of 392 patients with analyzable genotype data, 307 patients (78%) were assigned blue eyes, 74 patients (19%) were assigned brown eyes, and 11 patients (3%) could not be assigned to either blue or brown. Patients with a genetically blue eye color showed worse survival (P = 0.04). This was related to 1 genotype: patients with the G/G genotype of rs12913832 (HERC2), which codes for blue eye color showed a worse prognosis (P = 0.017) and more often had high-risk tumors (monosomy of chromosome 3; P = 0.04) than in patients with an A/G or A/A genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The G/G genotype of rs12913832 (HERC2), which is related to blue eye color, not only is a genetic factor related to the risk of UM develop, but also is linked to a worse prognosis because of an association with a higher risk of a high-risk UM developing (carrying monosomy of chromosome 3).

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Gain of chromosome 8q and high expression of EZH2 may predict poor prognosis in Chinese patients with uveal melanoma

PURPOSE

To explore risk factors predicting poor prognosis of uveal melanoma in a Chinese population, with specific emphasis on monosomy 3, 8q gain, and EZH2 staining.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with uveal melanoma from 2012 to 2021 were reviewed. Clinical and pathological records were collected and analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining of EZH2, monosomy 3 and 8q gain were respectively conducted in 45, 54, and 57 cases. Survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regressions were employed to predict risk factors of distant metastasis.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 44 months. Altogether, 16 % of patients developed distant metastases and died from disease-related causes. Disease-specific survival at one and three years was 96.6 % and 88.4 % while distant metastasis rates were 7.9 % and 12 %. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age (HR: 1.04), tumor largest basal diameter (HR: 1.21), tumor thickness (HR: 1.21), ciliary body involvement (HR: 3.50), AJCC stage (HR: 5.68), epithelioid cell type (HR: 7.71), 8q gain (HR: 7.48), and high expression of EZH2 (HR: 6.09) were associated with distant metastasis. 8q gain was associated with epithelioid cell type and thicker tumor while EZH2 was correlated with epithelioid cell type. Monosomy 3 lacked a significant correlation with other factors.

CONCLUSION

EZH2 and 8q gain could be taken into consideration when calculating poor prognosis in Chinese patients with uveal melanoma. Monosomy 3 showed no significance in distant metastasis, but this may be due to a small sample size.

8q Gain Has No Additional Predictive Value in SF3B1MUT Uveal Melanoma but Is Predictive for a Worse Prognosis in Patients with BAP1MUT Uveal Melanoma

Purpose

Gain of chromosome 8q has been associated with poor prognosis in uveal melanoma (UM), and an increase in the absolute number of 8q-copies correlated with an even shorter survival. Splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1)-mutated (SF3B1MUT) tumors display structural chromosomal anomalies and frequently show a partial gain of chromosome 8qter. A recent subset of SF3B1MUT UM with early-onset metastases has been identified, prompting the investigation of the relationship between survival, 8q gain, and SF3B1MUT UM.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects

Patients diagnosed with UM who underwent enucleation or received a biopsy at the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute or the Rotterdam Eye Hospital, The Netherlands were included.

Methods

Fifty-nine patients with SF3B1MUT tumors and 211 patients with BRCA1 associated protein 1 (BAP1)-mutated (BAP1MUT) tumors were included in this study. Copy number status and gene expression were assessed using either a single nucleotide polymorphism array, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and karyotyping, or a combination of these techniques. Disease-free survival was determined and a cut-off of 60 months was used to define early-onset metastatic disease.

Main Outcome Measures

Disease-free survival.

Results

Forty-eight patients with SF3B1MUT UM (81%) had chromosome 8q gain (3 copies, 78%; 4 copies, 22%). Kaplan-Meier analysis of SF3B1MUT UM did not indicate a difference in survival in patients with or without gain of 8q (P = 0.99). Furthermore, the number of 8q copies was not associated with survival when comparing early (P = 0.97) versus late (P = 0.23) metastases group. In contrast, the presence of 8q gain (86%) was correlated with a decreased survival in BAP1MUT UM (P = 0.013).

Conclusions

We did not find a correlation between 8q gain and early-onset metastasis in SF3B1MUT tumors. Gain of 8q has no additional predictive value in SF3B1MUT tumors. In contrast, 8q gain is predictive of a worse prognosis in patients with BAP1MUT tumors. Thus, gain of chromosome 8q has additional predictive value for BAP1MUT tumors, but not for SF3B1MUT tumors.

Financial Disclosures

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Correlation of fitzpatrick skin type and iris color with tumor size in 823 patients with uveal melanoma

PURPOSE

To determine the correlation of Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) and iris color with tumor size (tumor thickness and basal diameter) in patients with uveal melanoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort METHODS: Retrospective cohort from a single ocular oncology center of 823 patients with uveal melanoma and documented FST, iris color, and tumor size. Patients were classified by FST (type I, II, and III-V) and iris color (blue, green, and brown) on the basis of external facial photography. There were no FST type VI patients. Tumor thickness was classified into small [< 3 millimeter (mm)], medium (3.1-8.0 mm), or large (> 8.0 mm), and basal diameter into small (< 10 mm), medium (10.1-15 mm) or large (> 15 mm). The correlation of FST and iris color with tumor thickness and basal diameter was evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis H test.

RESULTS

The FST classification was type I (n = 92, 11%), type II (n = 643, 78%), or III-V (n = 88, 11%), and iris color was blue (n = 472, 57%), green (n = 102, 12%), or brown (n = 249, 30%). A comparison of FST revealed differences in mean tumor thickness (P = 0.04) and basal diameter (P = 0.006). Iris color showed no difference for mean tumor thickness (P = 0.41) or basal diameter (P = 0.48). There was a statistically significant difference with brown iris color relative to FST III-V for mean tumor thickness (P = 0.003) and basal diameter (P = 0.001) but no difference with blue or green iris color (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Iris color alone showed no difference in tumor size, but those with brown iris color and FST type III-V demonstrated larger tumor thickness and basal diameter.

Uveal melanoma: Current evidence on prognosis, treatment and potential developments

Uveal Melanoma (UM) is a rare disease, yet it is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adult patients. Despite continuous advancements and research, the risk of metastasis remains high. It is possible to stratify patients according to their risk of metastases using a variety of known risk factors. Even though there is no gold standard for the prognostication of patients with uveal melanoma, it is becoming increasingly clear that combining histo-pathological, patient-related and molecular prognostic markers allows a more accurate prediction of the metastatic risk than by using one parameter. Primary UM in the eye are treated very effectively with eye-sparing radiation-based techniques or enucleation. However, it is not yet possible to prevent or treat metastases with the current therapeutic options. Nonetheless, the efforts to find new therapeutic targets continue and progress is being made, especially in the field of targeted therapy, as exemplified by the anti-gp100 bispecific molecule Tebentafusp. This review delves into the history of uveal melanoma, its incidence, presentation and diagnosis, the known prognostic factors and the treatment options, both for the primary tumour and for metastases. We show that different populations may have different risks for developing UM, and that each country should evaluate their own patients.

Association of Fitzpatrick Skin Type with metastatic risk from uveal melanoma in 854 consecutive patients at a single center

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of skin color using Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) with metastatic risk of uveal melanoma.

SUBJECTS

854 consecutive patients with uveal melanoma and documented FST.

METHODS

Retrospective detailed review of patient charts was performed for FST (type I- white, II-fair, III-average, IV-light brown, V-brown, VI-black), clinical details of the patient and the uveal melanoma, tumor cytogenetic classification according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and outcome of melanoma-related metastasis and death.

RESULTS

The FST classification was type I (n = 97 patients), type II (n = 665), type III (n = 79), type IV (n = 11), type V (n = 2), type VI (n = 0). A comparison of patient FST (type I vs. II vs. III-V) revealed significant differences in mean age at presentation (64.1 vs. 58.5 vs. 49.8 years, p < 0.001), race white (100% vs. 98% vs. 75%, p < 0.001), presence of ocular melanocytosis (3% vs. 3% vs. 10%, p = 0.01), visual acuity <20/200 at presentation (6% vs. 7% vs. 13%, p = 0.03), genetic results showing TCGA group B tumors (11% vs. 14% vs. 26%, p = 0.01) or TCGA group D tumors (22% vs. 11% vs. 9%, p = 0.01), 10-year incidence of melanoma-related metastasis (25% vs. 15% vs. 14%, p = 0.02) and 10-year incidence of melanoma-related death (9% vs. 3% vs. 4%, p = 0.04). FST was a significant predictor of melanoma-related metastasis (p = 0.02, Hazard ratio 2.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Fitzpatrick skin type may be a predictor of melanoma-related metastasis, with metastasis and TCGA Group D tumors being more common in patients with FST I.

Tumor Pigmentation Does Not Affect Light-Activated Belzupacap Sarotalocan Treatment but Influences Macrophage Polarization in a Murine Melanoma Model

Purpose

Pigmentation in uveal melanoma is associated with increased malignancy and is known as a barrier for photodynamic therapy. We investigated the role of pigmentation in tumor behavior and the response to light-activated Belzupacap sarotalocan (Bel-sar) treatment in a pigmented (wild type) and nonpigmented (tyrosinase knock-out [TYR knock-out]) cell line in vitro and in a murine model.

Methods

The B16F10 (TYR knock-out) was developed using CRISPR/Cas9. After the treatment with light-activated Bel-sar, cytotoxicity and exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) were measured by flow cytometry. Treated tumor cells were co-cultured with bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and dendritic cells (DCs) to assess phagocytosis and activation. Both cell lines were injected subcutaneously in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice.

Results

Knock-out of the tyrosinase gene in B16F10 led to loss of pigmentation and immature melanosomes. Pigmented tumors contained more M1 and fewer M2 macrophages compared with amelanotic tumors. Bel-sar treatment induced near complete cell death, accompanied with enhanced exposure of DAMPs in both cell lines, resulting in enhanced phagocytosis of BMDMs and maturation of DCs. Bel-sar treatment induced a shift to M1 macrophages and delayed tumor growth in both in vivo tumor models. Following treatment, especially the pigmented tumors and their draining lymph nodes contained IFN-gamma positive CD8+T cells.

Conclusions

Pigmentation influenced the type of infiltrating macrophages in the tumor, with more M1 macrophages in pigmented tumors. Belzupacap sarotalocan treatment induced immunogenic cell death and tumor growth delay in pigmented as well as in nonpigmented models and stimulated M1 macrophage influx in both models.

The Cancer Genome Atlas for uveal melanoma is predictive of patient outcomes

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary eye malignancy. Despite excellent local tumor rates, UM is a life-threatening disease with moderate systemic metastatic rates. In the past, certain clinical features were shown to be predictive of patient prognosis, including tumor thickness, tumor diameter, ciliary body involvement, and histopathologic factors. Genetic markers have lately been used to predict patient outcomes. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a worldwide effort developed by the National Cancer Institute and the National Human Genome Research Institute to study numerous mutations in various cancer types. TCGA has explored chromosome copy number alterations in UM, messenger RNA, micro-RNA, and long noncoding RNA expression levels and established four prognostic classes: group A (chromosome 3 and 8 disomy), group B (chromosome 3 disomy and 8q gain), group C (chromosome 3 monosomy and/or 8q gain), and group D (chromosome 3 monosomy and multiple 8q gains). Multiple studies have validated TCGA classification and have reported that it has been highly predictive of UM metastasis and patient survival.

Impact of iris color on uveal melanoma-related outcomes in 7245 patients at a single ocular oncology center

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship between iris color and uveal melanoma (UM)-related metastasis and death in a large cohort of patients from a single ocular oncology center.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SUBJECTS

Patients diagnosed with UM between February 1971 and August 2007.

METHODS

Patient information was obtained from chart documentation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

UM-related metastasis and death.

RESULTS

Out of 7245 patients, iris color was blue in 3702 (51%), green in 1458 (20%), and brown in 2085 (29%). Mean age was 58 ± 15 years and mean tumor thickness was 5.5 ± 3.3 millimeters. Some clinical features differed between iris color groups, with the blue irides group having a larger proportion of post-equatorial tumors with significantly closer proximity to the foveola and optic disc compared to the brown irides group. At a mean follow-up of 75 months, there was no statistically significant difference in metastasis between the various iris color groups. On univariate analysis, those with blue irides showed a higher incidence of UM-related death compared to the green and brown irides groups (8.3%, 5.9% and 7.5% respectively, p value = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier event free survival from UM-related death significantly differed only between the blue and green irides groups (p value = 0.007) with the green irides group showing the highest survival. However, on multivariate analysis, iris color was not predictive of UM-related death.

CONCLUSION

Iris color was not predictive of UM-related metastasis or death. However, Kaplan-Meier survival at 20 years was poorest for blue irides group compared to green.

Worldwide Incidence of Ocular Melanoma and Correlation With Pigmentation-Related Risk Factors

Purpose

The worldwide incidence of ocular melanoma (OM), uveal melanoma (UM), and conjunctival melanoma has last been reported on 15 years ago. Recently, light iris color and four specific single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified as a UM-risk factor. Furthermore, six iris color predicting SNPs have been discovered (IrisPlex). Interestingly, two of these (rs129138329 and rs12203592) are also UM-risk factors. We collected worldwide incidence data of OM and investigated its correlations with iris color, IrisPlex SNPs, and UM-risk SNPs.

Methods

Cases of OM, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases Oncology C69 (eye), 8720/3 to 8790/3 (malignant melanoma), and 8000 to 8005 (malignant neoplasm), between 1988 and 2012, were extracted from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Incidence rates were age-standardized and their trends were analyzed with joinpoint regression and age period cohort modeling. Frequencies for each country of iris color, IrisPlex SNPs, and UM-risk SNPs were collected from the literature.

Results

Incidence rates were generally ≥8.0 cases per million person-years in Northern Europe, Western Europe, and Oceania; 2.0 to 7.9 in North America, Eastern Europe, and Southern Europe; and <2.0 in South America, Asia, and Africa. OM incidence correlated with latitude (r = 0.77, P ≤ 0.001) and is expressed as a north-to-south decreasing gradient in Europe. SNP rs12913832 correlated with OM incidence (r = 0.83, P ≤ 0.001), blue iris color (r = 0.56, P ≤ 0.05), green iris color (r = 0.51, P ≤ 0.05), and brown iris color (r = -0.64, P ≤ 0.01). Trends were stable for most countries (28/35).

Conclusions

OM incidence is highest in populations of European ancestry and lowest in populations of Asian and African ancestry. Overall, trends are stable, and the spatial correlation among OM incidence, iris color, and rs12913832 may support the role of pigmentation-related risk factors in OM development.

Validation of the Prognostic Usefulness of the Gene Expression Profiling Test in Patients with Uveal Melanoma

PURPOSE

To validate the prognostic usefulness of gene expression profile (GEP) testing in patients with uveal melanoma. To determine whether combining tumor size with the GEP classification provides additional prognostic value.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with a diagnosis of choroidal melanoma examined at Yale New Haven Hospital; University of California, San Diego; and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

METHODS

Patients' demographic and clinical data and tumor characteristics were collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis were used to assess the association between tumor characteristics and GEP classification with metastasis as an outcome.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Metastasis-free survival (MFS).

RESULTS

Of the 337 individuals included in the study, 87 demonstrated metastases. The mean follow-up time was 37.2 (standard deviation [SD], 40.2) months for patients with metastases and 55.0 (SD, 49.3) months for those without metastases. Tumors of larger thickness and GEP class 2 (vs. class 1) were associated significantly with increased risk of metastasis. Tumor thickness showed better prognostic usefulness than GEP classification (Wald statistic, 40.7 and 24.2, respectively). Class 2 tumors with a thickness of 7.0 mm or more were associated with increased risk of metastasis than tumors with a thickness of < 7.0 mm (hazard ratio [HR], 3.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-6.51), whereas class 1 tumors with a thickness of 9.0 mm or more were associated with increased risk of metastasis than tumors with a thickness of < 9.0 mm (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.86-4.99). No difference in MFS was found between patients with class 1A tumors compared with those with class 1B tumors (P = 0.8). Patients with class 2 tumors showed an observed 5-year MFS of 47.5% (95% CI, 36.0%-62.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size was the most significant predictor of metastasis and provided additional prognostic value independent of GEP classification. In addition, rates of metastasis for class 2 tumors were lower than estimates reported by Castle Bioscience, and no difference in rates of metastasis were found between class 1A and 1B tumors. This indicates that tumor size should be accounted for when relying on GEP for prognostication and that patients with GEP class 1A or 1B tumors may benefit from the same metastatic surveillance protocols.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

S100 as Serum Tumor Marker in Advanced Uveal Melanoma

S100 protein is routinely used as a serum tumor marker in advanced cutaneous melanoma. However, there is scarce and inconclusive evidence on its value in monitoring disease progression of uveal melanoma. In this monocenter study, we retrospectively assessed the connection between documented S100 protein levels of patients suffering from stage IV uveal melanoma and the clinical course of disease. Where available, we analyzed expression of S100 in melanoma metastases by immunohistochemistry. A total of 101 patients were included, 98 had available serum S100 levels, and in 83 cases, sufficient data were available to assess a potential link of S100 with the clinical course of the uveal melanoma. Only 12 of 58 (20.7%) patients had elevated serum levels at first diagnosis of stage IV disease. During progressive disease, 54% of patients showed rising serum S100 levels, while 46% of patients did not. Tumor material of 56 patients was stained for S100. Here, 26 (46.4%) showed expression, 19 (33.9%) weak expression, and 11 (19.6%) no expression of S100. Serum S100 levels rose invariably in all patients with strong expression throughout the course of disease, while patients without S100 expression in metastases never showed rising S100 levels. Thus, the value of S100 serum levels in monitoring disease progression can be predicted by immunohistochemistry of metastases. It is not a reliable marker for early detection of advanced disease.

Increased histological tumour pigmentation in Uveal Melanoma is related to eye colour and loss of chromosome 3/BAP1

Purpose

Heavy pigmentation is known to be a prognostic risk factor in uveal melanoma (UM). We analyzed whether genetic tumor parameters were associated with tumor pigmentation and whether pigmentation should be included in prognostic tests.

Design

Retrospective comparison of clinical, histopathological, and genetic features and survival in UM with different pigmentation.

Participants

A total of 1058 patients with UM from a White European population with diverse eye colors enucleated between 1972 and 2021.

Methods

Cox regression and log-rank tests were used for survival analysis; the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for correlation analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Uveal melanoma-related survival based on tumor pigmentation and chromosome status, correlation of tumor pigmentation with prognostic factors.

Results

The 5-year UM-related mortality was 8% in patients with nonpigmented tumors (n = 54), 25% with lightly pigmented tumors (n = 489), 41% with moderately pigmented tumors (n = 333), and 33% with dark tumors (n = 178) (P < 0.001). The percentage of tumors with monosomy 3 (M3) or 8q gain increased with increasing pigmentation (31%, 46%, 62%, and 70% having M3 [P < 0.001], and 19%, 43%, 61%, and 63% having 8q gain [P < 0.001] in the 4 increasing pigment groups, respectively). BRCA-associated protein 1 (BAP1) loss (known for 204 cases) was associated with increased tumor pigmentation (P = 0.001). Cox regression analysis on survival showed that when chromosome status and pigmentation were both included, pigmentation was not an independent prognostic indicator. Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) expression was a significant prognostic marker in light tumors (P = 0.02) but not in dark tumors (P = 0.85).

Conclusions

Patients with moderately and heavily pigmented tumors showed a significantly higher UM-related mortality than patients with unpigmented and light tumors (P < 0.001), supporting prior reports on the relation between increased tumor pigmentation and a worse prognosis. Although we previously showed that a dark eye color was associated with tumor pigmentation, we now show that the tumor's genetic status (chromosome 3 and 8q/BAP1 status) is also related to tumor pigmentation. When pigmentation and chromosome 3 status are both included in a Cox regression analysis, pigmentation is not an independent prognostic factor. However, evidence from this and previous studies shows that chromosome changes and PRAME expression have a stronger association with survival when they occur in light tumors than in dark ones. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Iris melanocytic tumours in New Zealand/Aotearoa: presentation, management and outcome in a high UV exposure environment

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Iris melanoma, a rare intraocular malignancy, represents the smallest subgroup of uveal melanoma. This first, comprehensive study of iris melanocytic lesions in the high ultraviolet environment in New Zealand/ Aotearoa (NZ) examines diagnosis, management and outcomes.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Retrospective study of iris melanocytic tumours referred to tertiary referral centres in Auckland, NZ, over 20 years (1999-2018). Data analysed include demographics, tumour characteristics, histology, genetic analyses, treatment modalities, recurrence, metastasis, 5-year and overall survival.

RESULTS

Cohort (N = 51) was predominantly NZ European (98.0%) with no indigenous Māori, or Pasifika. Median age at presentation was 58 years. Tumours involved a median of two clock hours of iris. The posterior tumour margin extended to the anterior chamber angle in 22 patients (45.8%). Management included initial observation 54.9%, iridectomy/excision biopsy 29.4%, irido-cyclectomy 7.8%, plaque radiotherapy 7.8%, proton beam radiotherapy 7.8%, and ultimately enucleation 17.6%. Histology was performed in 19 cases (37%) with 16 confirmed melanomas (84%). Mean follow-up 4.2 years with median visual acuity of 6/7.5 two years post intervention. Melanoma-related metastasis and mortality occurred in two cases with five-year melanoma-related mortality of 2.0%.

CONCLUSION

In a climate with high ultraviolet exposure iris melanocytic tumours occurred almost exclusively in NZ Europeans, however, the majority of cases were category T1, possibly reflecting early diagnosis in the NZ health system. Nonetheless, >50% underwent surgery or radiotherapy, often utilising more than one modality. A high index of suspicion and early referral of iris melanocytic lesions should be considered in regions with high UV exposure.

Relationship between Fitzpatrick Skin Type and The Cancer Genome Atlas Classification with Melanoma-Related Metastasis and Death in 854 Patients at a Single Ocular Oncology Center

BACKGROUND

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) is an objective method of classifying patients based on skin color and sunburn sensitivity. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a method of determining the prognosis of patients with uveal melanoma based on genetic composition of the tumor. There is no literature studying the relationship of FST and TCGA groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study on 854 patients with uveal melanoma treated at a single tertiary ocular oncology center between April 2006 and June 2020, classified based on FST on a scale of I-VI and based on genetic analysis with TCGA classification on a scale of A, B, C, and D. Outcome measures included uveal melanoma-related metastasis and death per FST and TCGA group.

RESULTS

Patients classified as FST I (compared to FST II and III-V) had higher odds of being TCGA group D (OR 2.34, p = 0.002). Patients classified as FST III-V (compared to FST I and II) had higher odds of being TCGA group B (OR 2.26, p = 0.002). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no difference in melanoma-related metastasis or death comparing FST I vs. II vs. III-V within each TCGA group at 5, 10, and 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients classified as FST I are more likely to have a higher grade melanoma on genetic testing whereas those classified as FST III-V show lower grade melanoma. Despite differences in tumor features and genetic profile with various FST, survival analysis at 5, 10, and 15 years revealed no difference in melanoma-related metastasis or death within each TCGA group per skin tone.

Potential of Aqueous Humor as a Liquid Biopsy for Uveal Melanoma

Tumor biopsy can identify prognostic biomarkers for metastatic uveal melanoma (UM), however aqueous humor (AH) liquid biopsy may serve as an adjunct. This study investigated whether the AH of UM eyes has sufficient circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to perform genetic analysis. This is a case series of 37 AH samples, taken before or after radiation, and one tumor wash sample, from 12 choroidal and 8 ciliary body (CB) melanoma eyes. AH was analyzed for nucleic acid concentrations. AH DNA and one tumor wash sample underwent shallow whole-genome sequencing followed by Illumina sequencing to detect somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs). Four post-radiation AH underwent targeted sequencing of BAP1 and GNAQ genes. Post-radiation AH had significantly higher DNA and miRNA concentrations than paired pre-radiation samples. Highly recurrent UM SCNAs were identified in 0/11 post-radiation choroidal and 6/8 post-radiation CB AH. SCNAs were highly concordant in a CB post-radiation AH with its matched tumor (r = 0.978). BAP1 or GNAQ variants were detected in 3/4 post-radiation AH samples. AH is a source of ctDNA in UM eyes, particularly in post-radiation CB eyes. For the first time, UM SCNAs and mutations were identified in AH-derived ctDNA. Suggesting that AH can serve as a liquid biopsy for UM.