Introduction: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been investigated for a potential anticancer role in several cancers, such as colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Moreover, ASA has been shown to abrogate various processes that contribute to tumor growth and progression. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ASA on cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM). Methods: Human CM and UM cells were treated with 5 mM ASA and assessed for changes in cellular functions. Antiangiogenic effects of ASA were determined using an ELISA-based assay for 10 proangiogenic cytokines, and then validated by Western blot. Finally, proteomic analysis of ASA-treated cells was performed to elucidate the changes that may be responsible for ASA-mediated effects in melanoma cells. Results: Treatment with ASA significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities, and caused a significant decrease in angiogenin and PIGF secretion in both CM and UM. Mass spectrometry revealed 179 protein changes associated with ASA in the CM and UM cell lines. Conclusions: These results suggest that ASA may be effective as an adjuvant therapy in metastatic CM and UM. Future studies are needed to determine the regulating targets that are responsible for the antitumor effects of ASA.

https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/510582

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.

https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/508383

Introduction: Multiple uveal melanoma is a rare occurrence and includes bilateral melanoma, unilateral multiple/multifocal melanoma, or melanoma with metastasis to the ipsilateral or contralateral eye. Methods: A chart review of patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma between January 2013 and January 2019 at the Duke University Eye Center Ophthalmic Oncology Service was performed. Results: Three patients with multiple, sequential melanoma were identified; patient 1 had bilateral choroidal melanoma and patients 2 and 3 had 2 choroidal melanomas occurring in the same eye. In all 3 patients, both the first and sequential choroidal melanomas were treated with I-125 radioactive plaque brachytherapy (PBT). Two patients were found to have developed secondary metastatic uveal melanoma as a presenting sign of systemic metastases. Patient 4, initially treated with PBT, was diagnosed with ipsilateral metastatic choroidal melanoma, also treated with PBT. Patient 5 had right eye enucleation for choroidal melanoma and developed vision-threatening metastasis in the left eye, which was treated with PBRT. None of the patients had history of cancer prior to their first diagnosis. Patients 1 and 5 were tested with a systemic melanoma panel; both were negative for BAP1, but patient 1 had a variant of unknown significance in BRCA2. Patient 3 had oculodermal melanocytosis, an established risk factor of uveal melanoma. Conclusion: Although rare, the possibility of multiple uveal melanoma does exist. Examination of the treated and contralateral eye on a regular basis is crucial, not only to identify local failure but also new metastases from the primary tumor and additional primary tumors.

https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/508393