Discovering biomarkers and druggable targets in uveal melanoma

Wierenga, A.P.A. (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis describes several projects on the subject of uveal melanoma. There are good treatment options for the primary tumor in the eye, but around half of the patients develop metastases. There is no cure for these metastases yet. The projects described in thesis aim to identify biomarkers as potential druggable targets. Also it focused on the role of iris pigmentation and tumor pigmentation and the tumor characteristics of these tumors.

• Uveal melanoma
• Metastatic uveal melanoma
• Liquid biopsies
• Biomarkers
• Aqueous humor
• Cytokines
• Immunotherapy

• All authors: Wierenga, A.P.A.
• Supervisor: Jager, M.J.; Luyten, G.P.M.
• Co-supervisor: Verdijk, R.
• Committee: Schalij-Delfos, N.E.; Naus, N.D.; Heindl, L.M.; Snaar-Jagalska, E.; Piperno-Neumann, S.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2026-06-24
• ISBN (print): 9789465376035