Uveal Melanoma: Our Unique Expertise

Making up 5% of melanoma cases in the United States, uveal melanoma is a rare disease that arises from the uvea or middle layer of the eye including the choroid, ciliary body, and iris. Only affecting 5 in 1 million people, Uveal melanoma is a serious condition that can spread or metastasize to other areas of the body, especially the liver. Early detection and intervention can provide improved outcomes and long-term survival with the condition.

With rare cancers such as this, there are far fewer oncology professionals with the experience or expertise to deliver informed treatment, which makes The Melanoma & Skin Cancer Institute unique in the United States.

Our sole focus on the treatment of melanoma combined with our dedication to cutting-edge clinical trials and research means we have access to treatment options that are not widely available, as well as the experience necessary to combine standard of care and research based therapeutic options into a unique treatment plan tailored to each person.

Our in-depth, informative consultation process always includes Dr. Ryan Weight, whose extensive experience treating uveal melanoma started during his training and faculty experience at Thomas Jefferson University and continues today.

What Treatments are Available for Uveal Melanoma?

It is important to note that a general consensus on the “best” course of treatment for this rare condition has not been established, as each person’s situation and diagnosis is unique, emphasizing the need for individualized care from an experienced oncology team like The Melanoma & Skin Cancer Institute to develop a personal treatment plan.

Several FDA approved treatments for uveal melanoma have become available in the past few years, and The Melanoma & Skin Cancer Institute is one of the few locations in the United States to offer these therapies to patients.

We are able to offer cutting-edge treatments—tebentafusp, approved by the FDA in 2022, and liver-directed therapies such as intrahepatic melphalan approved in 2023—as well as considering many other treatment options including immunoembolization and chemoembolization of the liver to create each patient’s personalized treatment plan.

What If I Have Uveal Melanoma?

If you, a loved one, or one of your patients have a uveal melanoma diagnosis, it is important to consult with an experienced oncologist as early as possible to understand the breadth of your treatment options.

You may reach out to The Melanoma & Skin Cancer Institute to book an initial consultation at 720-316-8091 or info@theskincancerinstitute.com.