Association Between Microarray Gene Expression Signature and Extravascular Matrix Patterns in Primary Uveal Melanomas

Abstract

To determine whether there is an association between gene expression profile and looping extravascular matrix patterns in primary uveal melanomas. Laboratory investigation. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from 22 primary uveal melanomas that previously were analyzed by microarray gene expression profiling were stained for periodic acid-Schiff and scored in a masked fashion for the presence of looping extravascular matrix patterns. A strong association was observed between looping patterns and the unfavorable class 2 molecular prognostic signature (P < .001). Looping extravascular matrix patterns occur almost exclusively in class 2 uveal melanomas. This finding may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and management of uveal melanoma.