FR900359 and Neoplasm-Metastasis

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults and arises from the transformation of melanocytes in the uveal tract. Even after treatment of the primary tumor, up to 50% of patients succumb to metastatic disease. The liver is the predominant organ of metastasis. There is an important need to provide effective treatment options for advanced stage uveal melanoma. To provide the preclinical basis for new treatments, it is important to understand the molecular underpinnings of the disease. Recent genomic studies have shown that mutations within components of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling are early events associated with approximately 98% of uveal melanomas.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Depsipeptides; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11; Humans; Melanoma; Mutation; Neoplasm Metastasis; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Signal Transduction; Uveal Neoplasms