Targets for personalized treatment of conjunctival melanoma

Cao, J. (2017)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis identifies specific targets, illustrates the role of these targets, and explores personalized therapeutic possibilities to inhibit tumor growth by using new treatment strategies. And the thesis describes a new animal model for CM. A proper model can mimic the human disorder and provide opportunities for studying tumor biology, and for seeking novel effective therapies to inhibit the dissemination of malignant cells. Subsequently, the potential role of immune checkpoint molecules and the presence of HLA class I antigens are studied. New animal models and therapeutic targets will broaden our understanding of CM, and help us to develop better treatments for primary and metastatic CM, thus prolonging patients’ survival.

• Conjunctival melanoma
• HLA
• Immunology
• BRAF
• Kinase inhibitor
• Animal model

• All authors: Cao, J.
• Supervisor: Jager, M.J.
• Co-supervisor: Verdijk, R.M.; Jochemsen, A.G.
• Committee: Heindl, L.; Luyten, G.P.M.; Wang, M.; Jia, R.; Hall, T. van
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Medicine / Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2017-12-07
• ISBN (print): 9789462997998
• Sponsorship: Chinese Scholarship Council (File no. 201206170141), the Nelly Reef Fund, the Bontius Uveal Melanoma Fund, Ms. I. Brouwer, and LOOF