01 Oct Factors Associated With Aggressive Conjunctival Melanoma Outlined
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ann-Cathrine Larsen MD, PhD-student
University of Copenhagen
Faculty of Health Sciences
Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Eye Pathology Section
Copenhagen
Medical Research: What is the background for this study?
Dr. Larsen: Conjunctival melanoma is an uncommon malignancy with a high mortality. Population-based studies evaluating prognostic features and treatment are rare. The clinicopathological and prognostic features associated with BRAF-mutations in conjunctival melanoma are unclear.
Medical Research: What are the main findings?
Dr. Larsen: Extrabulbar tumor location and invasion of adjacent tissue structures were poor prognostic features. Incisional biopsy and excision without adjuvant therapy were associated with metastatic disease. Younger age at diagnosis, bulbar or caruncular tumor location, T1 stage tumor, lack of clinical melanosis and mixed or non-pigmented tumor color were features associated with BRAF-mutated conjunctival melanoma. Furthermore, Patients with BRAF mutated tumors seem to have an increased risk of distant metastatic disease.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Larsen: Incisional biopsy and excision without adjuvant therapy are discouraged. Despite a more favorable location, BRAF-mutated conjunctival melanoma may be associated with more frequent distant metastatic disease.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Larsen: Large studies investigating prognosis, targeted therapy and more intensive surveillance in patients with BRAF-mutated conjunctival melanoma are warranted.
Citation:
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Ann-Cathrine Larsen (2015). Factors Associated With Aggressive Conjunctival Melanoma Outlined
Last Updated on October 4, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD