Significance of Research & Future Work
One major implication of this study is that it suggests the best
treatment approach for people suffering from UM. Since the results show
that UM is caused by several unique genetic mutations, thus
implying its heterogenous nature, a targeted therapy would not be the
best approach. Targeted therapies are developed to target and inhibit
the function of a specific gene or defective protein that results from
genetic mutations. For example, Vitrakvi ® (larotrectinib) from Bayer is
a medication for solid tumors that inhibits TRK (tyrosine kinase), a
protein which promotes cancer. TRK is produced as a result of the fusion
of two genes due to an underlying genetic mutation in NTRK (neurotrophic
receptor tyrosine kinase). The best treatment option for UM would be
some form of immunotherapy, which prevents disease by stimulating and
enhancing the immune system to fight against dysfunctional proteins
caused by mutations. Immunotherapy would be effective in reducing the
cumulative effects of all these harmful genes and proteins. However,
targeted therapy could be used to inactivate specific genes which
exhibit mutations frequently in UM.