The aim of the study is to identify genetic and epigenetic biomarkers in uveal melanoma, and to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic role.

In particular, the specific objectives are:

1. to identify the circulating somatic mutations associated with uveal melanoma;
2. to identify the de-regulated miRNAs associated with uveal melanoma;
3. to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of the identified genetic and epigenetic markers;
4. to identify possible therapeutic targets.

This is a prospective, multicentric, case-control study, aimed at studying the gene and epigenetic mechanisms involved in uveal melanoma.

Patients with uveal melanoma, will be enrolled. For each subject included in the study, in a blood sample will be searched the mutations of the GNA11 and GNAQ genes and the expression of the following microRNAs: miR - 506-514 cluster, hsamiR - 592 and hsa - miR - 199a - 5p; the digital PCR droplet system will be used.

The study will not change the diagnostic-therapeutic process adopted in the clinical practice and will have no influence on the clinical management of enrolled patients.

A group of age sex matched controls will be recruited among patients scheduled for cataract surgery.

The sample size was calculated to detect, with a power of 80% and a confidence interval of 95%, a difference of 13.5% between the incidence of mutation of the GNA11 gene in patients with melanoma and healthy controls. (13.5% vs 0%). Overall, at least 51 patients with uveal melanoma and 51 controls will be recruited, for a total of at least 102 subjects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• subjects diagnosed with uveal melanoma
• both sexes
• age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• a) autoimmune diseases
• b) tumors
• c) kidney diseases
• d) atherosclerosis
• e) subjects undergoing anti-inflammatory therapies.

Patients with uveal melanoma and controls will be recruited in three centers:

1. the Ophthalmology Clinic of the "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele" University Hospital, Catania, Italy
2. the Ophthalmology Clinic of the University of Turin, Italy
3. the Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland