Melanoma-associated retinopathy

Title

Subtypes:

Paraneoplastic Neurologic Disorders

Summary Summary

Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a rare autoimmune condition that occurs in some people with melanoma (a type of skin cancer) and can affect the vision. Signs and symptoms of MAR may include night blindness; photopsia (presence of perceived flashes of light); and progressive, painless vision loss. MAR occurs when the body's immune system, in response to melanoma, mistakenly attacks the cells of the retina; however, it is poorly understood why this autoimmune response occurs in some people but not others. There is, unfortunately, no established treatment for MAR. Proposed strategies for treatment include immunosuppressive medications and/or standard treatment of the melanoma (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy).^[1]^[2]^[3]

Last updated: 12/30/2015

Organizations Organizations

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Organizations Supporting this Disease

American Foundation for the Blind
1401 South Clark Street
Suite 730
Arlington, VA 22202
Toll-free: 800-232-5463
Telephone: 212-502-7600
Fax: 888-545-8331
E-mail: http://www.afb.org/sendMail.asp
Website: http://www.afb.org/

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These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
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References References

Raj K Maturi, MD. Cancer Associated and Related Autoimmune Retinopathies. Medscape Reference. March 2014; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1227724-overview#a1.
Dabir S, Mangalesh S, Govindraj I, Mallipatna A, Battu R, Shetty R. Melanoma associated retinopathy: A new dimension using adaptive optics. Oman J Ophthalmol. May-Aug 2015; 8(2):125-127.
Audemard A, de Raucourt S, Miocque S, Comoz F, Giraud JM, Dreno B, Bienvenu B, Rogerie MJ, Dompmartin A. Melanoma-associated retinopathy treated with ipilimumab therapy. Dermatology. 2013; 227(2):146-149.

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