1. Uveal Melanoma in Young
Females, NC and AL
Michael W Brennan, MD
NC Society of Eye Physicians and
Surgeons
International Envoy, American Academy
of Ophthalmology

2. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY WWW.AAO.ORG
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Financial Disclosure
 No financial disclosure or conflict of interest

3. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY WWW.AAO.ORG
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Huntersville, NC
 With “variable” epidemiological constraints(time and
space), slightly more than 20 patients diagnosed
within 15 years.
 Unusually young and female dominant

4. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY WWW.AAO.ORG
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RESPONSE
 Patient, Family and Community “Care”
 County and State; NC Society of Eye Physicians
and Surgeons; National/International
• Media alerts—dilated exams
• NC Universities/Referral Universities
• CDC, Global Eye Societies
• Legislative Grant
 Geospatial Analysis
 Genetic complement (Counseling, BAP1)
 Genome Sequencing of Tumor Tissue

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Professional Partnerships
 Maintain Contact/Commuication with
Patients/Families
• Regional Continuity Commission
• Media, Universities, DHHS
• Mecklenburg County Epidemiology
• Advocacy mobilized, focused
 Columbia-Miami Genome Sequencing
 Auburn/Alabama--NC Alliance
 State Government—New Legislation**

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Geospatial Analysis

7. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY WWW.AAO.ORG
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Findings
 Geospatial Analysis
• Distribution of total
population away from
suspect High School
• NO definitive
environmental toxic
intersection
• Community will expand
and continue Oversight
 Genetics
• No known family history
• All tested -BAP1 negative
 Genetic counseling
• Most appreciated
interaction
 Genome Sequencing —
in progress**

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AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
PROGRESS
 Registry enhancements
 Research empowerment
 Dilated Eye Exams
 Media {traditional and **social} Influence
 More collaborative Ophthalmology/Oncology
Community, national and International
 Continued Support Group interaction and
Friendship with CURE OM

9. Auburn University and
Huntersville
Connections:
Young, female
“Raptors”
Auburn War Eagle
Huntersville Aviary
GO WAR EAGLES**

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AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
NC “ReBoot” Plans
 Assess Genome Sequencing of Tumor Tissue and
consider Whole Genome Sequencing for all
patients in study—additional ten??
 Revisit State Registry and review all NC Uveal
Melanoma entries from 2000 forward
 Re-form Consortium with broader spectrum of
professional perspectives—Public Health.
 Continue aggressive in-state eyeMD awareness
 Maintain active role in Huntersville Region
Continuity Commission

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AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
NC Senate
 Senator Marcus, SB 277: Huntersville Ocular
Melanoma Study Funds---”Study and Abate
Frequent Cases…”
 Senator Sawyer, SB 297: NC Policy
Collaboratory will assemble Cancer Research
Advisory Panel. (diverse and inclusive)
 Senator Sawyer, SB 479: NC Cancer Center
Registry Improvement

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AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
Legislation Likelihood
 Assess and Abate—may be consumed by other
bills
 **Cancer Research Advisory Panel—incorporates
both OM and Thyroid populations; expands
consortium of professionals; includes county and
state governmental authorities ?expensive?
 *Registry Enhancement----limited effect but a
stimulus to overall National Registry Refinements