A view of VEGF in ocular melanoma: prospective implications for patient care

Abstract

Evaluation of: Missotten GS, Notting IC, Schlingemann RO et al. Vascular endothelial growth factor a in eyes with uveal melanoma. Arch. Ophthalmol. 124, 1428–1434 (2006).

A recent publication has shown the presence and origin of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A in the aqueous, tumor tissue and surrounding retina of patients with uveal melanoma. The study was able to correlate VEGF-A expression with worse patient outcome. For the first time, the authors demonstrate the source of VEGF-A production in this malignancy in vivo, thereby opening a new route for potential therapeutic interventions. In this key paper evaluation, we review the literature regarding the potential role of VEGF-A and implications for uveal melanoma patient care.

Keywords::

• hematogenous dissemination
• radiation retinopathy
• uveal melanoma
• vascular endothelial growth factor