PhD defence Q.C.C. (Quincy) van den Bosch

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

Uveal melanoma (UM) remains the most common primary eye cancer in adults, yet treatment options for metastatic disease are still limited, highlighting a critical need for therapies targeting high-risk tumors. This research explores the genetic drivers of tumor progression, specifically testing the hypothesis that aggressive tumors reactivate genes typically used during early pigment cell development. By analyzing patient tissue and utilizing cell cultures alongside zebrafish models, the study identified three key genes—FOXD1, RBFOX2, and COL9A3—that are significantly linked to tumor growth and spread. Beyond genetic discovery, the research evaluated the potential of artificial intelligence to predict genetic subtypes from standard microscopy with 75% accuracy and established a novel zebrafish analysis tool, Z-Tada, to enhance high-throughput drug screening. Ultimately, these findings demonstrate that specific developmental genes dictate the aggressive behavior of UM, providing a foundation for future targeted therapies for high-risk patients.