Blood Vessel Maturation in Human Uveal Melanoma: Spatial Distribution of Neovessels and Mature Vasculature

Abstract

Significant differences exist in the spatial distribution of mature versus neovessels in human uveal melanoma. Vessel maturation is associated with known clinical and pathologic indicators of poor prognosis (e.g., cell proliferation). Antiangiogenic therapy should be considered for the treatment of ocular malignancies; however, the results of this study indicate that blood vessel maturation heterogeneity may limit the efficacy of vessel targeting agents.