ME20-S as a Potential Biomarker for the Evaluation of Uveal Melanoma.

Purpose: We previously identified the presence of the melanocyte-specific secreted (ME20-S) glycoprotein in secretomes of uveal melanoma (UM) cultures. The aim of this study was to test for the presence and levels of ME20-S in the serum of patients with choroidal nevi and UM and correlate these levels with individual clinical data.

Methods: Serum ME20-S levels were determined by ELISA in 111 patients distributed into four categories (53 choroidal nevi, 30 untreated UM, 11 10-year disease-free [DF] UM, 17 hepatic metastatic UM) and 32 age- and sex-matched controls.

Detection of circulating melanoma cells in choroidal melanocytic lesions.

Purpose: To detect and quantify circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood of patients with uveal melanoma primary non-metastatic tumours, and to analyze the possible relationship between CTCs and clinical risk factors.

Methods: Prospective study with two clinical groups: 4 patients diagnosed with choroidal nevus and 8 patients with choroidal melanoma prior to treatment. A single sample of 7.

Detecting ultrasonographic hollowness in small choroidal melanocytic tumors using 10 MHz and 20 MHz ultrasonography: a comparative study.

Background: The purpose of this work was to compare the detection of ultrasonographic hollowness (UH), as a risk sign for evolution from small choroidal melanocytic tumors (SCMT) to uveal melanoma (UM), between conventional ultrasonography (standardized 8 MHz ultrasonography and B-mode 10 MHz ultrasonography) and high-resolution 20 MHz ultrasonography.

Methods: Fifty SCMTs from 50 eyes were included in this work. In all cases, ultrasonographic studies were performed using: 8 MHz standardized A-mode, 10 MHz B-mode, and posterior pole 20 MHz B-mode.

Relationship between macular bending and foveoschisis in myopic patients.

Purpose: To investigate factors associated with myopic foveoschisis and macular bending and to determine how the presence of macular bending affects the development of myopic foveoschisis.

Methods: In a prospective study of 194 eyes of 105 patients with high myopia, we performed complete ophthalmic examinations, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and A-scan ultrasounds. Patients were divided into three groups according to the OCT results.

Serum DJ-1/PARK 7 is a potential biomarker of choroidal nevi transformation.

Purpose: There is substantial evidence that intraocular melanomas arise from benign nevi in the uveal tract. Previous studies performed by the authors revealed that uveal melanoma cells secrete the oncoprotein DJ-1/PARK7 into the extracellular environment and circulation. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating DJ-1 serum levels correlate with known clinical risk factors of nevi growth.

Prospective clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

Purpose: To evaluate photodynamic therapy (PDT) for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH).

Design: Prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized clinical trial.

Participants: Thirty-one eyes of 31 patients with posterior pole CCH and symptoms caused by exudation into the macular area.