Liver metastases from UMs have a distinct gene expression pattern compared with the primary tumor while sharing similarities with gene expression patterns of normal liver. Several candidate genes for involvement in UM metastasis have been identified -- among them several in the NFKB pathway.

Combined with previous reports, these data suggest that retinal degenerations are associated with altered iron homeostasis regardless of the primary insult. Given the potential of iron to generate oxidative injury, its role as a therapeutic target in retinal and macular degenerations should be evaluated.

Of the histologic prognostic factors of metastasis in UM studied, only the presence of a network vasculogenic mimicry pattern but not its location is associated with monosomy 3. This suggests that monosomy 3 may contribute to but is not sufficient for the development of the network pattern.

IAPs expression is up regulated in UM and is associated with some of its prognostic factors. Considering our findings together with previous reports on their role in a variety of malignancies and in UM cell lines, it is conceivable that IAPs contribute to the remarkable resistance of uveal melanoma to apoptosis-inducing chemotherapy.

Transferrin C2 and hemochromatosis C282Y alleles are not associated with increased risk for developing AMD in Israel.