Immunohistochemical and mutational status of telomerase reverse transcriptase in conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.

Purpose: Mutations in human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) are associated with increased telomerase activity in cutaneous melanomas. Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, also referred to as ocular surface squamous cell carcinoma, is cancer on the surface of the eye. Recent studies have identified UV signat`ure mutations in TERT promoters in ocular melanoma and ocular surface squamous neoplasia.