BRAF, NRAS, and GNAQ Mutations in Conjunctival Melanocytic Nevi

Conjunctival Melanoma: A Clinical Review and Update

Conjunctival melanoma (Co-M) is an aggressive, invasive eye and eyelid cancer. Its global incidence of ~1 in a million is increasing at a rate ratio of ~1.4, but this rises sharply in over 65-year-olds. Although rare, Co-M has a devastating impact on the lives of those who develop it. Co-M is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, leading to vision loss either from the destructive effects of the tumour or side effects of therapy, facial disfigurement from radical surgery, and death from metastases. Due to its rarity, there is limited evidence for diagnosis and management; hence, there is no standardised treatment and not all cases are referred to a specialised ocular oncology centre. Recent progress in cancer immunology and genetics have revolutionised the treatment of cutaneous melanomas, which share some similarities to Co-M. Importantly, a better understanding of Co-M and its precursor lesions is urgently needed to lead to the development of novel targeted and immunotherapies both for local tumour control and disseminated disease. This review aims to provide a comprehensive clinical overview of the current knowledge regarding Co-M, its epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis and recent changes in the classification of its precursor lesions, management, and recent advances in novel biological therapies for personalised treatment of this disease.

CircRNA expression profiles and regulatory networks in the vitreous humor of people with high myopia

Myopia is a global health and economic issue. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of many ocular diseases. We first evaluated the circRNA profiles and possible roles in vitreous humor samples of individuals with high myopia by a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) array. Vitreous humor samples were collected from 15 high myopic (5 for ceRNA array, and 10 for qPCR) and 15 control eyes (5 for ceRNA array, and 10 for qPCR) with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and macular hole (MH). 486 circRNAs (339 upregulated and 147 downregulated) and 264 mRNAs (202 upregulated and 62 downregulated) were differentially expressed between the high myopia and control groups. The expression of hsa_circ_0033079 (hsa-circDicer1), hsa_circ_0029989 (hsa-circNbea), hsa_circ_0019072 (hsa-circPank1) and hsa_circ_0089716 (hsa-circEhmt1) were validated by qPCR. Pearson analysis and multivariate regression analysis showed positive and significant correlations for axial length with hsa-circNbea and hsa-circPank1. KEGG analysis showed that the target genes of circRNAs were enriched in the mTOR, insulin, cAMP, and VEGF signaling pathways. GO analysis indicated that circRNAs mainly targeted transcription, cytoplasm, and protein binding. CircRNA-associated ceRNA network analysis and PPI network analysis identified several critical genes for myopia. The expression of circNbea, circPank1, miR-145-5p, miR-204-5p, Nras, Itpr1 were validated by qPCR in the sclera of form-deprivation myopia (FDM) mice model. CircPank1/miR-145-5p/NRAS and circNbea/miR-204-5p/ITPR1 were identified and may be important in the progression of myopia. Our findings suggest that circRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of myopia and may serve as potential biomarkers.

BRAF Immunohistochemical Studies of Pediatric Conjunctival Lesions

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of an activating mutation in the B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) V600E immunoreactivity in pediatric conjunctival lesions.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study included 32 pediatric patients who underwent surgical excision of conjunctival lesions between Jan 2019 and May 2022. The collected data included demographic data, clinical features, and histopathologic characteristics of the lesion, including BRAF V600E positivity. The Student t test and the Fisher exact test were used to determine the significance of the associations between clinical variables and BRAF positivity.

RESULTS

BRAF immunoreactivity was positive in 11/32 lesions (34%). Age at diagnosis did not correlate with BRAF positivity, with a mean age at diagnosis of 131.7 months for patients with BRAF+ lesions and 134.7 months for those with BRAF- lesions ( P > 0.1). No clinical or pathological features were found to be significantly correlated with BRAF positivity, although there was a trend toward BRAF positivity in the presence of cysts ( P = 0.072).

CONCLUSIONS

BRAF reactivity was present in approximately one-third of pediatric conjunctival nevi but does not correlate significantly with unique clinical or histopathological features.

Genetic Aspects of Conjunctival Melanoma: A Review

Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is a rare but aggressive cancer. Over the past decade, molecular studies using rapidly advancing technologies have increasingly improved our understanding of CM genetics. CMs are mainly characterized by dysregulated MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, driven by commonly mutated (BRAF, NRAS, NF1) or less commonly mutated (KIT, PTEN) genes. Another group of genes frequently mutated in CMs include TERT and ATRX, with known roles in telomere maintenance and chromatin remodeling/epigenetic regulation. Uveal melanoma-related genes (BAP1, SF3B1, GNAQ/11) can also be mutated in CMs, albeit infrequently. Additional CM-related mutated genes have increasingly been identified using more comprehensive genetic analyses, awaiting further confirmation in additional/larger studies. As a tumor arising in a partly sun-exposed mucosal tissue, CM exhibits a distinct genomic profile, including the frequent presence of an ultraviolet (UV) signature (and high mutational load) and also the common occurrence of large structural variations (distributed across the genome) in addition to specific gene mutations. The knowledge gained from CM genetic studies to date has led to new therapeutic avenues, including the use of targeted and/or immuno-therapies with promising outcomes in several cases. Accordingly, the implementation of tumor genetic testing into the routine clinical care of CM patients holds promise to further improve and personalize their treatments. Likewise, a growing knowledge of poor prognosis-associated genetic changes in CMs (NRAS, TERT, and uveal melanoma signature mutations and chromosome 10q deletions) may ultimately guide future strategies for prognostic testing to further improve clinical outcomes (by tailoring surveillance and considering prophylactic treatments in patients with high-risk primary tumors).

Genetic predisposition to ocular surface disorders and opportunities for gene-based therapies

The ocular surface, comprised of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, innervation system, immune components, and tear-film apparatus, plays a key role in ocular integrity as well as comfort and vision. Gene defects may result in congenital ocular or systemic disorders with prominent ocular surface involvement. Examples include epithelial corneal dystrophies, aniridia, ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy. In addition, genetic factors may interact with environmental risk factors in the development of several multifactorial ocular surface disorders (OSDs) such as autoimmune disorders, allergies, neoplasms, and dry eye disease. Advanced gene-based technologies have already been introduced in disease modelling and proof-of-concept gene therapies for monogenic OSDs. For instance, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells have been used for modelling aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK), XP, and EEC syndrome. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been used for disease modelling and/or gene therapy for AAK and Meesmann's epithelial corneal dystrophy. A better understanding of the role of genetic factors in OSDs may be helpful in designing personalized disease models and treatment approaches. Gene-based approaches in monogenic OSDs and genetic predisposition to multifactorial OSDs such as immune-mediated disorders and neoplasms with known or possible genetic risk factors has been seldom reviewed. In this narrative review, we discuss the role of genetic factors in monogenic and multifactorial OSDs and potential opportunities for gene therapy.

Biology and genetics of acquired and congenital melanocytic naevi

Acquired and congenital melanocytic naevi are common benign neoplasms. Understanding their biology and genetics will help clinicians and pathologists correctly diagnose melanocytic tumours, and generate insights into naevus aetiology and melanomagenesis. Genomic data from published studies analysing acquired and congenital melanocytic naevi, including oncogenic driver mutations, common melanoma associated mutations, copy number aberrations, somatic mutation signature patterns, methylation profile, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, were reviewed. Correlation of genomic changes to dermoscopic features, particular anatomic sites and total body naevus counts, was also performed. This review also highlights current scientific theories and evidence concerning naevi growth arrest. Acquired and congenital melanocytic naevi show simple genomes, typically characterised by mutually exclusive single oncogenic driver mutations in either BRAF or NRAS genes. Genomic differences exist between acquired and congenital naevi, common and dysplastic naevi, and by dermoscopic features. Acquired naevi show a higher rate of BRAF hotspot mutations and a lower rate of NRAS hotspot mutations compared to congenital naevi. Dysplastic naevi show upregulation of follicular keratinocyte-related genes compared to common naevi. Anatomical locations and DNA signatures of naevi implicates ultraviolet radiation and non-ultraviolet radiation pathways in naevogenesis. DNA driver point mutations in acquired and congenital melanocytic naevi have been well characterised. Future research is required to better understand transcriptional and epigenetic changes in naevi, as well as those regulating naevus growth arrest and cell environment signalling.

Conjunctival Melanocytic Lesions

CONTEXT.—

Conjunctival melanocytic lesions consist of a variety of neoplastic and nonneoplastic conditions. These include benign processes such as primary intraepithelial hypermelanosis and melanocytic hyperplasia, secondary forms of intraepithelial hypermelanosis and melanocytic hyperplasia, melanocytic nevi, melanocytic proliferations with malignant potential, and melanoma.

OBJECTIVE.—

To provide a concise yet comprehensive resource regarding the histopathologic diagnosis of conjunctival melanocytic lesions. We aim to detail and clarify the numerous classification schemes that exist for junctional melanocytic proliferations of the conjunctiva (known as primary acquired melanosis or PAM; also termed conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial neoplasia or C-MIN). Although not uniformly adopted, C-MIN is classified by using a numeric system based on a defined set of criteria. A less complex scheme (conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial lesion or CMIL) has recently been proposed by the World Health Organization. Additionally, we aim to update the reader regarding molecular features and prognostic indicators.

DATA SOURCES.—

Peer-reviewed literature and archived cases for illustration.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Accurate histologic classification is essential, as PAM/C-MIN/CMILs that have a significant potential to progress to invasive melanoma may be clinically indistinguishable from low-risk lesions. Conjunctival melanoma (CM) more closely resembles cutaneous melanoma in terms of its pathogenesis and molecular features, compared to melanoma arising at other mucosal sites or to uveal melanoma. Depth of invasion and ulceration status, among other factors, have emerged as important prognostic indicators in CM. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may provide further prognostic information. Lastly, integration of pathologic and clinical findings is essential at this anatomically sensitive location to determine appropriate clinical management.

Blue nevi of the palpebral conjunctiva: report of 2 cases and review of literature

PURPOSE

To describe two patients with blue nevi of the palpebral conjunctiva and to review the existing literature on common and cellular blue nevi of the conjunctiva.

METHODS

Report of two cases and literature review.

RESULTS

We present two cases of blue nevi in the palpebral conjunctiva: an atypical cellular blue nevus of the left upper eyelid and a common blue nevus around the lacrimal punctum of the left lower eyelid. Both patients underwent full thickness eyelid excision with wide margins. There was no tumor recurrence at 11 and 4 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Blue nevi are a group of melanocytic tumors that rarely involve the ocular adnexa. They may arise in the palpebral conjunctiva and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions in this location as they can mimic melanoma.

PRAME Expression in Junctional Melanocytic Proliferations of the Conjunctiva: A Potential Biomarker for Primary Acquired Melanosis/Conjunctival Melanocytic Intraepithelial Lesions

ABSTRACT

Conjunctival melanocytic proliferations are diagnostically challenging, often complicated by small specimen size, and are separated into 3 broad categories. The first group includes benign nevi and primary acquired melanosis (PAM) without atypia. The second group includes junctional melanocytic proliferations with a risk of progression to invasive melanoma (PAM with atypia). The last category is conjunctival melanoma, of which 65% of tumors arise in the setting of PAM with atypia. Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry has been widely adopted to differentiate cutaneous nevi and melanoma. However, there are limited studies on its utility in the evaluation of conjunctival melanocytic proliferations with little data regarding its potential utility in stratifying PAM. Twenty-eight clinically annotated cases (14 PAM without atypia and 14 PAM with atypia) were retrospectively evaluated with PRAME/MART-1 duplex immunohistochemistry and were assigned the commonly used PRAME immunoreactivity score: 0 for no staining, 1+ for 1%-25% of cells positive, 2+ for 26%-50%, 3+ for 51%-75%, and 4+ for >75%. PAM without atypia showed low (0-3+) PRAME expression in 14 of 14 cases (100%). PAM with atypia showed strong and diffuse (4+) PRAME expression in 12 of 14 cases (86.7%). Seven of eight (87.5%) PAM with severe atypia, 4 of 4 PAM (100%) with moderate atypia, and 1 of 2 PAM (50%) with mild atypia showed 4+ PRAME expression. In addition, all 5 cases that recurred or progressed (all classified as PAM with atypia) showed 4+ PRAME expression. Although additional larger studies are needed, PRAME seems to be a useful adjunct in evaluating junctional melanocytic proliferations of the conjunctiva.

PRAME expression in melanocytic lesions of the conjunctiva

AIMS

PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma) is a tumour-associated antigen that is preferentially strongly expressed in most cutaneous melanomas but not or only focally in nevi. Our aim was to evaluate PRAME expression in melanocytic lesions of the conjunctiva.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Surgical specimens of 114 conjunctival melanocytic nevi of different types (including 67 common, 25 combined deep penetrating and 21 inflamed juvenile nevi), 30 invasive melanomas, 10 in situ melanomas, 23 primary acquired melanoses (PAM) without atypia and 11 PAM with atypia were analysed for PRAME expression by immunohistochemistry. Nuclear positivity for PRAME in melanocytes was assessed as the percentage of positive nuclei: negative (0%), 1+ (1-25%), 2+ (26-50%), 3+ (51-75%) and 4+ (>75%). In 113 of 114 conjunctival melanocytic nevi, PRAME was either completely negative or focally 1+ positive. Diffuse 4+ PRAME expression was identified in 17 of 30 (57%) invasive melanomas, 7 of 10 (70%) in situ melanomas, 4 of 5 (80%) PAM with severe atypia, 0 of 3 PAM with moderate atypia, 0 od 3 PAM with mild atypia, 1 of 23 (4%) PAM without atypia and 0 of 114 nevi. Diffuse 4+ PRAME expression in invasive melanomas correlated with a higher mitotic count but was not related to age and gender of the patients, Breslow thickness, location or mutational status.

CONCLUSION

Diffuse 4+ PRAME positivity is highly specific for malignant conjunctival melanocytic lesions. PRAME is therefore a useful ancillary marker to support the diagnosis of a suspected conjunctival melanoma.

Conjunctival melanoma: New insights in tumour genetics and immunology, leading to new therapeutic options

Recent developments in oncology have led to a better molecular and cellular understanding of cancer, and the introduction of novel therapies. Conjunctival melanoma (CoM) is a rare but potentially devastating disease. A better understanding of CoM, leading to the development of novel therapies, is urgently needed. CoM is characterized by mutations that have also been identified in cutaneous melanoma, e.g. in BRAF, NRAS and TERT. These mutations are distinct from the mutations found in uveal melanoma (UM), affecting genes such as GNAQ, GNA11, and BAP1. Targeted therapies that are successful in cutaneous melanoma may therefore be useful in CoM. A recent breakthrough in the treatment of patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma was the development of immunotherapy. While immunotherapy is currently sparsely effective in intraocular tumours such as UM, the similarities between CoM and cutaneous melanoma (including in their immunological tumour micro environment) provide hope for the application of immunotherapy in CoM, and preliminary clinical data are indeed emerging to support this use. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge regarding CoM, with a focus on the genetic and immunologic understanding. We elaborate on the distinct position of CoM in contrast to other types of melanoma, and explain how new insights in the pathophysiology of this disease guide the development of new, personalized, treatments.

Genomic analysis of adult case of ocular surface giant congenital melanocytic nevus and associated clinicopathological findings

INTRODUCTION

Conjunctival nevi are the most common tumor of the ocular surface. There are some rare reports of so-called 'giant' conjunctival nevi. We report a case of a 47-year-old female with a cutaneous and ocular surface giant congenital melanocytic nevus and describe her clinical course.

CASE DESCRIPTION

This is a retrospective case report of a single patient. A 47-year-old female with a history of biopsy-proven periorbital congenital melanocytic nevus, with an associated giant conjunctival nevus presented for structural and functional rehabilitation. Serial surgeries were performed and excised tissue was sent for histopathological and genetic examination. The conjunctival nevus had a low tumor mutation burden, and of the 647 somatic mutations, only one occurred within a protein coding region, namely NRAS p.Gln61Arg.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported adult case including genomic analysis of an ocular surface giant congenital melanocytic nevus. The case shows a possible association between periorbital congenital melanocytic nevi and giant conjunctival nevi, and underscores the possible role that targeted drug therapies may have in malignant transformation of these conditions.

Extensive rewiring of the EGFR network in colorectal cancer cells expressing transforming levels of KRASG13D

Protein-protein-interaction networks (PPINs) organize fundamental biological processes, but how oncogenic mutations impact these interactions and their functions at a network-level scale is poorly understood. Here, we analyze how a common oncogenic KRAS mutation (KRASG13D) affects PPIN structure and function of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) network in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Mapping >6000 PPIs shows that this network is extensively rewired in cells expressing transforming levels of KRASG13D (mtKRAS). The factors driving PPIN rewiring are multifactorial including changes in protein expression and phosphorylation. Mathematical modelling also suggests that the binding dynamics of low and high affinity KRAS interactors contribute to rewiring. PPIN rewiring substantially alters the composition of protein complexes, signal flow, transcriptional regulation, and cellular phenotype. These changes are validated by targeted and global experimental analysis. Importantly, genetic alterations in the most extensively rewired PPIN nodes occur frequently in CRC and are prognostic of poor patient outcomes.

Combined deep penetrating nevi of the conjunctiva are relatively common lesions characterised by BRAFV600E mutation and activation of the beta catenin pathway: a clinicopathological analysis of 34 lesions

BACKGROUND

Deep penetrating nevus (DPN) is not a widely recognised lesion on the conjunctiva and only a few cases consistent with combined DPN have been reported.

METHODS

A review of all excised and histopathologically diagnosed conjunctival melanocytic lesions between 2003 and 2018 was performed in order to identify melanocytic nevi morphologically consistent with DPN.

RESULTS

Thirty-four DPN were identified among 361 histopathologically examined conjunctival nevi (9.4%), including 33 (97%) combined with a common nevus and 1 (3%) pure DPN. The patients' age ranged from 7 to 51 years (median, 22 years). Clinically, 21 of 29 (72%) lesions with available data were darkly pigmented, and an increase in size and/or pigmentation was noted in 13 of 18 (72%) lesions with known history. All 24 lesions in which an immunohistochemical analysis was possible were diffusely positive for BRAFV600E (in DPN and common nevus components) and showed a diffuse nuclear positivity for beta catenin and cyclin D1 in the DPN component. None of the 21 lesions with available follow-up data recurred during a follow-up period from 0.3 to 16.3 years (median, 7.5 years).

CONCLUSIONS

DPN of the conjunctiva is a relatively common lesion and usually presents as a combined nevus. Genetically, DPN of the conjunctiva are characterised by a combination of BRAFV600E mutation and activation of the beta catenin pathway. Recognition of DPN of the conjunctiva is important in order not to overdiagnose it as a melanoma, and to explain its potential atypical clinical features. DPN of the conjunctiva seems to be a benign lesion.

Pulmonary melanocytic nevus - A case report with a mutation analysis of common driver oncogenes

Nevi are benign melanocytic tumors, and some nevi are considered to develop into malignant melanomas. Most nevi arise in the skin, but nevi occasionally occur in the conjunctiva, esophageal mucosa, or at other sites. Pulmonary melanocytic nevi are extremely rare, and only one case has been reported in the literature. Here, we present a case of pulmonary melanocytic nevus, involving a BRAF gene mutation (V600E), and we discuss the potential significance of this condition as a precursor to pulmonary malignant melanoma.

Conjunctival Melanoma in Childhood and Adolescence: A Systematic Review

Background

Conjunctival melanoma is rare in adults and rarer in children. We systematically reviewed the presentation, diagnostic and management strategies as well as outcomes for conjunctival melanoma in children and adolescents.

Methods

The following databases were searched: Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus for cases of conjunctival melanoma occurring in children and adolescents < 18 years of age.

Results

Seventeen studies with 32 patients (18 males) were identified. The median age at presentation was 11 years (range 4-18 years). Most patients were white. Most patients presented with a conjunctival mass or naevus with a recent history of growth or change. Excision biopsy provided diagnosis and management for all cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were also used. One patient had metastatic disease at diagnosis and 3 developed metastatic disease (range 1-10 months). Two patients died from disease and one was alive with metastatic disease. Two patients had disease recurrence. Outcomes were observed to be better where diagnosis was made earlier and "no-touch" excision biopsy was performed in an appropriate specialist setting.

Conclusions

Conjunctival melanoma occurs rarely in children and adolescents. Surgery is the mainstay of management. The prognosis is guarded in metastatic disease due to the small sample size and limited follow-up.

Melanocytoma of the Conjunctiva: Clinicopathologic Features of Three Cases

Background

Melanocytoma (magnocellular nevus) is a jet-black benign lesion histologically composed of polygonal tumor cells with small, inconspicuous nuclei and abundant cytoplasm. Melanocytomas in general are rare. Most cases occur in the optic nerve head. Conjunctival melanocytoma (magnocellular nevus) is extremely rare, and only 3 lesions of the ocular surface have been reported.

Objectives

To describe the clinical and histological spectrum of conjunctival melanocytoma and discuss differential diagnoses of this rare lesion.

Method

Four heavily pigmented conjunctival lesions were excised for slight tumor growth and histologically processed. The specimens were routinely stained with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff. Sections were bleached and immunohistochemical stains were performed for CD68, HMB-45, S100, melanin, and Ki-67.

Results

Histological examination revealed findings of a conjunctival melanocytoma in 3 cases. The fourth case was diagnosed histologically as a combined melanocytic lesion with a compound nevus and an inverted type A nevus. None of the lesions exhibited transition towards malignancy. The differential diagnoses included conjunctival melanoma, granular cell nevus, compound nevus with reactive changes, and blue nevus.

Conclusions

Conjunctival melanocytic lesions suspicious for melanocytoma should be bleached to evaluate their cytologic features. CD68 can be helpful in identifying heavily pigmented melanomacrophages which may mimic a melanocytoma. As conjunctival melanocytomas are extremely rare, their pathogenesis may be different from that of other conjunctival nevi.

GNAQ Mutations in Diffuse and Solitary Choroidal Hemangiomas

PURPOSE

GNAQ mutations have been identified in port wine stains (both syndromic and nonsyndromic) and melanocytic ocular neoplasms. This study investigates the presence of GNAQ mutations in diffuse (those associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome [SWS]) and solitary choroidal hemangiomas.

PARTICIPANTS

Tissue from 11 patients with the following diagnoses: port wine stain (n = 3), diffuse choroidal hemangioma (n = 1), solitary choroidal hemangioma (n = 6), and choroidal nevus (n = 1).

METHODS

Ten specimens were interrogated with Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets, a hybridization capture-based next-generation sequencing assay for targeted deep sequencing of all exons and selected introns of 468 key cancer genes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors. Digital polymerase chain reaction was used to detect GNAQ Q209 mutation in 1 specimen.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Detection of GNAQ codon-specific mutation.

RESULTS

Activating somatic GNAQ mutations (c.547C > T; p.Arg183Cys) were found in 100% (3 of 3) of the port wine stain and in the diffuse choroidal hemangioma. Somatic GNAQ mutations (c.626A > T; p.Gln209Leu) were found in 100% (6 of 6) of the solitary choroidal hemangiomas and (c.626A > C; p.Gln209Pro) in the choroidal nevus.

CONCLUSIONS

GNAQ mutations occur in both diffuse and solitary hemangiomas, although at distinct codons. An R183 codon is mutant in diffuse choroidal hemangiomas, consistent with other Sturge-Weber vascular malformations. By contrast, solitary choroidal hemangiomas have mutations in the Q209 codon, similar to other intraocular melanocytic neoplasms.

Integration of Next-generation Sequencing and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Targeted Symptom Control and Palliative Care in Solid Tumor Malignancies: A Multidisciplinary Clinician Perspective

The molecular characterization of solid tumor malignancies with respect to tumorgenesis, risk stratification, and prognostication of chemotherapeutic side effects is multi-faceted. Characterizing these mechanisms requires a detailed understanding of cytogenetics and pharmacology. In addition to the standard palliative care interventions that address issues such as fatigue, neuropathy, performance status, depression, nutrition, cachexia, anxiety, and medical ethics, we must also delve into individual chemotherapy side effects. Comprehending these symptoms is more complex with the advent of broader targeted therapies. With the advent and initiation of Foundation Medicine (FMI) testing, we have been able to tailor regimens to the individual genetics of the patient. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a bioinformatic analysis used in order to create a targeted effort to understand the complex genetics of a vast array of malignancies. Through the process known as high-throughput sequencing we, as clinicians, can obtain more real-time genetic data and incorporate the information into our reasoning process. The process involves a broad manner in which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence data is obtained including genome sequencing and resequencing, protein-DNA or proteinomics, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing, ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing, and epigenomic analysis. High-throughput sequencing techniques including single molecule real-time sequencing, ion semiconductor sequencing, pyrose sequencing, sequencing by synthesis, sequencing by ligation, nanopore sequencing, and chain termination (otherwise known as Sanger sequencing) have expanded the realm of NGS and clinicians options.