Uveal Melanoma Patients At Higher Risk For Colon Cancer

Main Category: Melanoma / Skin Cancer
Also Included In: Eye Health / Blindness;  Colorectal Cancer
Article Date: 15 May 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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Higher Colon Cancer Risk in Uveal Melanoma Patients and Their Relatives Compared to General Population, was presented by Frederick H. Davidorf, MD, during the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2007 Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular cancer in adults. This study involved 130 uveal melanoma patients who provided their extended family medical histories. Results showed that a small, but significant, number of uveal melanoma patients and their families are at higher risk for development of other cancers, most significantly colon cancer. "Therefore, ophthalmologists need to advise patients about the necessity of screening for colon cancer both for themselves and for their blood relatives," advised Dr. Davidorf. Identification of specific genetic changes associated with increased risk for uveal melanomas may provide further insight into the molecular pathogenesis of this cancer.

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Davidorf is a professor at The Ohio State University's Department of Ophthalmology in Columbus, Ohio.

Established in 1928, ARVO is a membership organization of more than 11,700 eye and vision researchers from over 70 countries. The Association encourages and assists its members and others in research, training, publication and dissemination of knowledge in vision and ophthalmology. ARVO's headquarters are located in Rockville, Md. For more information, logon to http://www.arvo.org/.

Contact: Karen Colson
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

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