Uveal (intraocular) melanoma is a rare type of cancer that forms from cells that make melanin in the uveal tract of the eye, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Most uveal tract melanomas originate in the choroid.
The exact cause of uveal melanoma is unknown, although genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Risk factors include fair complexion and older age.
The majority of uveal melanomas are initially asymptomatic. As the tumor enlarges, signs and symptoms may include blurred vision, floaters or flashes of light, a dark spot on the iris, a change in size or shape of the pupil, or a change in position of the eyeball in the eye socket.
Treatments for uveal melanoma include surgery, radiation therapy, laser and photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Kimmtrak (tebentafusp-tebn) is the first FDA approved therapy for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM). It is indicated for the treatment of HLA-A*02:01-positive adult patients with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma. Kimmtrak works by specifically targeting gp100, a lineage antigen expressed in melanocytes and melanoma.
