Uveal melanoma patients at higher risk for colon cancer

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Higher Colon Cancer Risk in Uveal Melanoma Patients and Their Relatives Compared to General Population, will be presented by Frederick H. Davidorf, MD, during the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2007 Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, May 9 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in Hall B/C of the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular cancer in adults. This study involved 130 uveal melanoma patients who provided their extended family medical histories. Results showed that a small, but significant, number of uveal melanoma patients and their families are at higher risk for development of other cancers, most significantly colon cancer. "Therefore, ophthalmologists need to advise patients about the necessity of screening for colon cancer both for themselves and for their blood relatives," advised Dr. Davidorf. Identification of specific genetic changes associated with increased risk for uveal melanomas may provide further insight into the molecular pathogenesis of this cancer.

Davidorf is a professor at The Ohio State University's Department of Ophthalmology in Columbus, Ohio.

Established in 1928, ARVO is a membership organization of more than 11,700 eye and vision researchers from over 70 countries. The Association encourages and assists its members and others in research, training, publication and dissemination of knowledge in vision and ophthalmology. ARVO's headquarters are located in Rockville, Md. For more information, logon to www.arvo.org.