In a nutshell
The authors aimed to determine the effects of BAP1 protein in uveal melanoma.
Some background
Uveal melanoma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the eye. BAP1 protein is involved in cell development and growth in healthy cells. Research has shown that patients who lack the BAP1 protein have an increased risk of tumor development, growth and shorter survival times. BAP1 protein can be found in the nucleus (brain of the cancer cell) or in the cytoplasm (area of the cell located outside the nucleus).
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of BAP1 protein in uveal melanoma patients.
68 patients with primary uveal melanoma samples (the original tumor) and 13 patients with metastatic uveal melanoma samples (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) were analysed. BAP1 protein was absent in 51% of patients with primary uveal melanoma samples. BAP1 protein was absent in the nucleus of 77% of patients who had metastatic cancer.
The absence of BAP1 protein in the nucleus and mitotic rate (how quickly tumor cells are dividing and growing) were significant risk factors in predicting cancer progression.
The average survival time of patients with metastatic uveal melanoma was 6.5 years. None of the patients without BAP1 expression were alive at the end of the study, while all those who had BAP1 present were still alive.
The bottom line
The authors conclude that BAP1 expression can be used as an independent predictor of uveal melanoma.
The fine print
Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of BAP1 protein in uveal melanoma.
Published By :
British Journal of Cancer
Date :
Jul 24, 2014
