Patients who are diagnosed with choroidal melanoma and undergo I-125 plaque or enucleation surgery consent to participate in the study. A tumor sample taken during surgery is studied in the lab for genetic features. These features and features of subjects' clinical course are recorded. Analysis of the data may identify genetic features that are indicative of prognostic factors including risk of metastasis.
The Jules Stein Eye Institute Ocular Melanoma Research Group is conducting cytogenetic studies of choroidal melanoma to improve the screening of biopsy samples of choroidal melanoma through cytogenetic analysis. Our goal is to identify molecular probes that specifically target regions of chromosomes that undergo changes characteristic of metastatic choroidal melanoma.
Patient with diagnosis of ocular melanoma Patient with local treatment plan for ocular melanoma- plaque brachytherapy or enucleation Patient 18 years of age or older Archival enucleation specimens with diagnosis of ocular melanoma
Exclusion Criteria:
Patient who refuses local melanoma treatment Patient who refuses to participate in this study
