Work

Uveal Melanoma: Biology, Prognostication, and Emerging Therapies to Outsmart an Immune-Cold Melanoma

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy arising from melanocytes of the uveal tract. Despite high local control rates for primary disease, half of patients ultimately develop metastatic disease with historically dismal outcomes. Unlike cutaneous melanoma, UM is characterized by a low tumor mutational burden, distinct driver mutations, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment which together limit the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Over the past decade, major advancements in molecular classification, prognostication, and therapeutic development have reshaped the clinical landscape for some patients with UM. This review synthesizes the current understanding of UM epidemiology, characteristics, prognostic biomarkers, immune biology, and contemporary management for both localized and metastatic disease. While survival gains remain modest, the rapid expansion of biologically informed and immune-based strategies offers cautious optimism for improving outcomes in this historically treatment-refractory disease.

Source: Cancers

DOI: 10.3390/cancers18030432

Authors: Danielle Brazel, Elizabeth Buchbinder

Institutions: Scripps Health, Harvard University, Mass General Brigham

Language: English

Topic: Ocular Oncology and Treatments

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499