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Review
. 2020 Dec;6(6):381-387.
doi: 10.1159/000508383. Epub 2020 Sep 10.

Clinical Trials in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Current Status

Tamara A Sussman  1 , Pauline Funchain  1 , Arun Singh  2
Affiliations
Review

Clinical Trials in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Current Status

Tamara A Sussman et al. Ocul Oncol Pathol. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Uveal melanoma is a rare subtype of melanoma. Prognosis and survival rates for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma remain poor. No current FDA-approved standard of care therapy is available for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. Thus, clinical trials are essential for the development of new therapies and to provide patients hope for improved survival and outcomes.

Summary: In this article, we review clinical trials identified on the database https://clinicaltrials.gov that are open and enrolling patients with metastatic uveal melanoma as of November 26, 2019. This search produced 17 active trials involving liver-directed therapy, CNS-directed therapy, and systemic therapy with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or oncolytic virus therapy. Here, we discuss liver and CNS-directed therapy as well as systemic targeted therapy and oncolytic virus therapy. Immunotherapy clinical trials are discussed in a companion review article by Dr. Marlana Orloff.

Key messages: Various novel therapeutic targets and immunomodulatory approaches are on the horizon for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and may yield incremental therapeutic benefit. Selecting a clinical trial must be individualized and made jointly with the patient and his/her oncologist.

Keywords: Clinical trials; Liver-directed therapy; Metastasis; Oncology; Uveal melanoma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Tamara Sussman has no conflicts of interest to declare. Pauline Funchain receives consultant fees from Eisai and research funding from Pfizer. Arun Singh receives consulting fees from Eckert and Zeigler, and Isoaid; advisory board meeting with Immunocore; and stock options with Aura.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of clinical trials for uveal melanoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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