Germline Mutation Associated with Bilateral Primary Uveal Melanoma.

PURPOSE

To describe the occurrence of bilateral primary uveal melanoma in 2 patients with mutation on the gene encoding BRCA1-associated protein 1 .

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients with bilateral primary uveal melanoma and subsequent positive germline mutation.

RESULTS

There were 2 patients with bilateral uveal melanoma and germline positivity. Neither patient demonstrated oculodermal melanocytosis. Patient 1 underwent enucleation of his right eye (OD) at the age of 44 years for a 9.6-mm-thick choroidal melanoma. He returned 4 years later with a 10.0-mm-thick choroidal melanoma in his left eye (OS) and was treated with plaque radiotherapy. He had a strong family history of cancer, and clinical testing for germline mutation identified a pathogenic mutation in . At the 18-month follow-up, visual acuity was 20/200 OS without evidence of systemic metastasis. Patient 2 initially presented at age 54 years with extensive, diffuse iris melanoma OD, initially treated with plaque radiotherapy, but local recurrence after 3 years necessitated enucleation. Four years later, a 6.0-mm-thick ciliary body melanoma OS was found and successfully treated with plaque radiotherapy. Clinical testing for germline mutation identified a pathogenic mutation in . At the 8-year follow-up, visual acuity was 20/40 OS without evidence of local recurrence or systemic metastasis. The patient expired secondary to an unrelated brain infarction.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral uveal melanoma is exceedingly rare. Patients with bilateral uveal melanoma, especially when coincident with remote systemic cancers or a family history of cancer, should be evaluated for germline mutation. Lifelong monitoring for related systemic malignancies is advised.