Fight for Sight has announced research to identify new treatments for uveal melanoma.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool will be studying tumour samples to understand what the role of mutation in the BAP1 gene plays in the development of uveal melanoma. They believe that any underlying changes that occur as a result of the mutation can be treated with as yet unknown drugs to improve the survival rate in patients.
Dr Neil Ebenezer, director of research, policy and innovation at Fight for Sight, said: ‘The research from this project could lead to the identification of a drug therapy that could prevent the growth and spread of this condition. Currently there are no available therapies to prevent the spread of uveal melanoma to other parts of the body or to treat it, once it has spread. So, it’s vital that we start identifying options as soon as possible that may benefit patients.’