Microarray gene-expression analysis in ocular oncology: uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma

Abstract

Ocular oncology has relied on the clinical and histopathologic features of tumors to identify patients with high-risk characteristics and subsequent risk for metastasis. The mapping of the human genome and the development of sophisticated genomic analysis has led to new technologies in the armamentarium of ocular oncologists. Gene-expression analysis has resulted in the identification of genes involved in tumorigenesis and the development of novel biologics to target specific genes and gene pathways, as well as determine prognostic markers to identify high-risk tumors. This article will discuss current advancements in ocular oncology using microarray gene-expression analysis in the most common primary tumors in adults and children, uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma.

Keywords::

• choroidal melanoma
• gene expression
• microarray
• molecular genetics
• ocular oncology
• retinoblastoma

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.