Current therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ocular melanoma

Abstract

Ocular melanoma is a rare type of cancer. It usually arises in the uveal tract. Owing to a lack of warning symptoms, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage with a substantial risk of metastatic spread. Approximately half of the patients develop metastases during the course of their disease, with the liver being the main site for metastasis. The survival rate for metastatic ocular melanoma remains poor, ranging between 6 and 12 months. The following article summarizes the knowledge of the ocular melanoma pathogenesis and provides a basic overview of the therapeutic options for both localised and metastatic disease and suggests potential targets for future therapeutic use. The aim of the article is not to provide exhaustive information, but rather serve as a guide to help the readers familiarize with this uncommon disease.