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Uveal melanoma samples to be stored for future research
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Patients who provide tissue for a uveal melanoma gene test will have the option of having a sample of the tumor stored for up to 5 years so that it can be used in potential future developments related to the disease, according to a news release from Castle Biosciences.
The samples will not be used for research by Castle Biosciences and will be offered to a third party for research, treatment guidance or diagnostic purposes only with patients’ permission, the release said.
Storing the tissue could be useful because of advancements in the field, J. William Harbour, MD, professor of ophthalmology, vice chairman for translational research and director of the Ocular Oncology Service at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, said in the release.
“Patients may find that their tumor’s genetic information can guide emerging treatments, entry into clinical studies or further prognostic testing,” he said.
The gene test is designed to gauge the likelihood of a patient’s eye cancer spreading to other organs, the release said. A tumor sample is required for the test, and another sample obtained at the same time can be stored in the tissue repository at no charge.