B1 Non-refereed article in a scientific journal
Uveal Melanoma: A European Network to Face the Many Challenges of a Rare Cancer
Authors: Piperno-Neumann S, Piulats JM, Goebeler M, Galloway I, Lugowska I, Becker JC, Vihinen P, Van Calster J, Hadjistilianou T, Proenca R, Caminal JM, Rogasik M, Blay JY, Kapiteijn E
Publisher: MDPI
Publication year: 2019
Journal: Cancers
Journal name in source: CANCERS
Journal acronym: CANCERS
Article number: ARTN 817
Volume: 11
Issue: 6
Number of pages: 10
ISSN: 2072-6694
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers11060817
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/41733592
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequent primary ocular cancer in adults, accounting for 5% of all melanomas. Despite effective treatments for the primary tumour, up to 50% of UM patients will develop metastasis, leading to a very poor prognosis and a median overall survival of 6 to 12 months, with no major improvements in the last 30 years. There is no standard oncological treatment available for metastatic UM patients, and BRAF/MEK and immune checkpoint inhibitors show disappointing results when compared to cutaneous melanoma (CM). Recent advances in biology, however, identified specific gene and chromosome alterations, potentially permitting an actively tailored surveillance strategy, and dedicated clinical studies. Being a rare cancer, UM patients have to overcome issues such as identifying referral centres, having access to information, and partnering with oncologists for specific management strategies and research priorities. Here, we describe how the European Rare Adult solid Cancer Network (EURACAN) will help in addressing these challenges and accelerating international collaborations to enhance the development of innovative treatments in UM.
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