Elevated blood β-2 microglobulin is associated with tumor monosomy-3 in patients with primary uveal melanoma

High Antigen Processing Machinery component expression in Langerhans cells from melanoma patients' sentinel lymph nodes

Langerhans cells (LCs) from melanoma patients sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) are poor T cell activators mostly due to an immature immunophenotype. However Antigen Presenting Machinery (APM) role is unknown. We investigated HLA-class I APM components (Delta, LMP-7/10, TAP-1, Calnexin, Tapasin, β2-microglobulin and HLA-A,B,C) in LCs from healthy donors skin and melanoma patients SLN. APM component levels were low in immature epidermal LCs and significantly increased after maturation (p<0.05); their levels were significantly high in SLN LCs (p<0.01). APM component expression correlated with melanoma Breslow's thickness and SLN metastases: HLA-A,B,C level was significantly lower in SLN LCs from thick lesions patients compared with those from thin/intermediate lesions (p<0.05); β2-microglobulin level was significantly higher in positive SLN LCs compared to negative ones (p<0.05). Functionally, SLN LCs did not phagocytose exogenous antigens. These findings extend LCs knowledge indicating that they are not fully impaired by melanoma, contributing to design new LCs-based therapeutic approaches.

Ocular oncology: advances in retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma and conjunctival melanoma

BACKGROUND

Retinoblastoma, uveal and conjunctival melanomas are important malignancies within the remit of ocular oncology. Outlined are the diagnostic features and management principles, as well as advancements in the field and current challenges.

SOURCES OF DATA

Original papers, reviews and guidelines.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Most eyes with retinoblastoma (International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification (IIRC) Group A-D) are salvaged, whereas advanced cases (Group E) remain a challenge. Despite a high rate of local tumour control in uveal melanoma, metastatic spread commonly occurs. Conjunctival melanoma is treated by complete resection, but high rates of local recurrence occur, with the possibility of systemic relapse and death.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Use of the IIRC in retinoblastoma, and systemic screening in melanomas.

GROWING POINTS

Utilization of novel treatment modalities in retinoblastoma and an increasing understanding of the genetic basis of melanomas.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Improvements in chemotherapy delivery in retinoblastoma and prognostic tests in melanomas.

Update on Ophthalmic Oncology 2013: Retinoblastoma and Uveal Melanoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to discuss the clinical and translational content of the literature as well as advancement in our knowledge pertaining to retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma that were published from January to December 2013.

DESIGN

This study is a literature review.

METHODS

The search terms retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma were used in a MEDLINE literature search. Abstracts were studied, and the most relevant articles were selected for inclusion and further in-depth review.

RESULTS

In retinoblastoma, fewer eyes are lost because of the expanded use of ophthalmic artery chemosurgery and intravitreal melphalan, and the past year marks a deepening in our understanding of these modalities. Knowledge on the genetic underpinnings of uveal melanoma has broadened to include genes associated with a favorable prognosis. This is accompanied by promising results in the treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

This past year, there were important advancements in our knowledge of retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma.

Circulating immune cell and microRNA in patients with uveal melanoma developing metastatic disease

BACKGROUND

The immune response has been implicated in the control of uveal melanoma progression. Epigenetic mechanisms mediated by specific microRNAs (miRs) regulate immune responses.

METHODS

Blood was drawn from six patients with uveal melanoma followed from diagnosis, at which time there was no clinical or radiographic evidence of metastasis, until metastasis manifested. Circulating T cell, natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT), and myeloid suppressor cell populations were assessed by flow cytometry. CD3(+), CD15(+), and CD56(+) cells were isolated using immunomagnetic beads. Plasma and cellular levels of immune regulatory miRs were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays.

RESULTS

The development of metastasis was associated with decreases in circulating CD3(-)CD56(dim) NK cells and CD8(+) and double-negative CD3(+)CD56(+) NKT cells. ICOS(+)CD4(+)FoxP3(+) T regulatory cells and CD11b(+)CD14(-)CD15(+) myeloid suppressor cells increased. Plasma levels of miR-20a, 125b, 146a, 155, 181a, and 223 were higher in the study patients at diagnosis compared to controls. Plasma levels of miR-20a, 125b, 146a, 155, and 223 increased, and miR-181a decreased when metastasis manifested. Alterations in immune regulatory miRs were also observed in CD3(+), CD15(+), and CD56(+) cell populations.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of metastasis in uveal melanoma is associated with changes in immune effector and regulatory cells consistent with lessening tumor immune surveillance. These changes are associated with changes in plasma and cellular levels of immune regulatory miRs. The results may help guide uveal melanoma immunotherapy and biomarker development.