Abstract
Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a compound that inhibits both BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase and c-kit receptors. Tyrosine kinases are important in cellular signaling and mediate major cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, attachment, and migration. Twenty-six albino rabbits were injected with 1 × 106 human uveal melanoma (UM) cells (92.1) into the suprachoroidal space. Animals were immunosuppressed (cyclosporin A) over the course of the 12-week experiment and divided into two groups (n = 13). The experimental group received IM once daily by gavage while the control group received a placebo. One animal per group was sacrificed every week after the 2nd week. Upon necropsy, organs were harvested for histopathological examination. Cells from the primary tumors were recultured and tested in proliferation and invasion assays. A PCR array was used to investigate the differences in expression of 84 genes related to tumor metastasis. In the treated group, 4 rabbits developed intraocular tumors, with an average largest tumor dimension (LTD) of 2.5 mm and 5 animals reported metastatic disease. Whereas 6 rabbits in the control group developed intraocular tumors, with an average LTD of 5.8 mm and 6 animals reported metastatic disease. The recultured cells from the treated group demonstrated lower proliferation rates and were less invasive (p < 0.001 The PCR array showed differences in expression of genes related to metastasis. Notably, there was 290-fold increase inSERPINB5, a tumor suppressor gene, and a 10-fold higher expression ofKISS1, a metastasis suppressor gene, in the treated group. Proangiogenic genes such asVEGFA,PDGFAandPDGFBwere downregulated in the treated group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report detailing the altered expression of specific genes in UM cells after treatment with IM.
Highlights
Metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) still presents a challenge to ophthalmologists and oncologists.Despite successful control of the primary tumor, survival rates have remained markedly unchanged
The average life expectancy of UM patients that develop metastasis is as short as 3.6 months [13]
When patients are screened regularly and metastasis is discovered before the onset of symptoms, survival is longer but most likely due to lead-time bias [14,15,16]
Summary
Metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) still presents a challenge to ophthalmologists and oncologists. Despite successful control of the primary tumor, survival rates have remained markedly unchanged. Prognosis is poor and almost every patient dies within a year [1]. Several centers have tried different compounds, but the need for a suitable and effective drug that would improve the survival of metastatic melanoma patients is desirable. Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a compound that inhibits various tyrosine kinases includings c-kit [2] and BCRABL [3]. Tyrosine kinases are important in cellular signaling and mediate major cellular processes such
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
