Melanoma-associated retinopathy: does autoimmunity prolong survival?
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the autoimmune basis of melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) and its implications for management and prognosis.


METHODS
An unusual history of a woman with melanoma-associated retinopathy is presented in detail. A review of published reports and a summary of 19 reported cases of MAR provide a basis for discussion.


RESULTS
This case report and other published reports highlight a number of points regarding MAR including the male predominance, prolonged survival in several patients and lack of response to immunosuppression.


CONCLUSIONS
Melanoma-associated retinopathy may prolong the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma through the autoimmune response. Therefore, treatment of visual symptoms with immunosuppression needs to be considered carefully.
Chan
C
C
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. chunkeng@yahoo.com
O'Day
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D015551:Autoimmunity; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007395:Interneurons / Q000276:immunology; D008130:Lomustine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008545:Melanoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010257:Paraneoplastic Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D011506:Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D012160:Retina / Q000276:immunology; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality; D015996:Survival Rate
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D001323:Autoantibodies; C104948:CTAG1B protein, human; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D008130:Lomustine; D003606:Dacarbazine