Insights in tumorigenesis and metastasis of uveal melanoma

Author(s):
Notting, I.C.
Published
2009
Publication type
Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

For a long time enucleation has been the treatment of choice for uveal melanoma. New treatment modalities have been developed e.g. transscleral thermotherapy (TTT), proton beam radiation, stereotactic radiotherapy and ruthenium application 1-3 . These treatment options offer a better chance to spare the eye. Despite new treatment options, the overall survival of patients treated for uveal melanoma did not improve. Ultimately, most patients die of metastatic disease. Therefore, there is need for an effective treatment for distant metastases.

Identification of genes, proteins and pathways has started to provide some insight in the dissemination of uveal melanoma. For development of novel anti-cancer strategies, more sensitive and less invasive cancer models are required, to detect and monitor tumor growth and metastatic disease in vivo.

Main objective of this thesis is the development of a new tumor model to study local tumor growth and metastatic disease and to explore tumor growth mechanisms of uveal melanoma.

Uveal melanoma
Defense date
2009-01-27
Language
English
Supervisor(s)
Schalij-Delfos, N.E.; Keunen, J.E.E.
Advisor(s)
Pluijm, G. van der
Qualification
Ph.D.
Degree granting institution
Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University, Leiden
hdl
1887/13532
ISBN(s)
9789064643200

Funding

Sponsorship
Financial support for the publication of this thesis was provided by Alcon Nederland, Allergan, Bausch en Lomb, Carl Zeiss, Dutch Cancer Society, Lameris Ootech, Landelijke Stichting voor Blinden en Slechtzienden, Leids Oogheelkundig Ondersteunings Fonds, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Stichting Blinden-Penning, Tramedico Nederland.