Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification of uveal melanoma: correlation with metastatic death.

Purpose: To evaluate multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) of uveal melanoma as a predictive tool for metastatic death.

Methods: Uveal melanoma specimens of 73 patients treated between 1998 and 2000 were included. DNA samples were analyzed with MLPA evaluating 31 loci on chromosomes 1, 3, 6 and 8, and the results were correlated with metastatic death.

Results: The patients (27 women; 46 men) had a median age of 60.6 years and a median follow-up of 6.2 years. Metastatic death occurred in 28 patients, correlating most strongly with chromosome 3 losses and gains on 8q (Cox univariate analysis, P < 0.001). Chromosome 6, region p25, gains correlated with good survival (Cox univariate analysis, P = 0.003). Prediction of metastatic death was improved by considering equivocal chromosome 3 losses as abnormal and by taking account of multiple risk factors, such as 8q gains, tumor diameter, and histologic features indicative of high-grade malignancy.

Conclusions: MLPA analysis of uveal melanoma predicts metastatic death if statistically insignificant losses of chromosome 3 are considered together with gains in 8q as well as clinical stage and histologic grade of malignancy.