All Melanoma News

Dr McKean on the Efficacy of Fianlimab Plus Cemiplimab in Advanced Melanoma

Meredith McKean, MD, executive committee chair, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Program, executive committee chair, BRIDGE Program, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, discusses the rationale for combining fianlimab with cemiplimab-rwlc (Libtayo) in the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma and highlights long-term follow-up data with the combination. Notably, these phase 1 trial (NCT03005782) data were shared at the 2024 ESMO Congress.

Mayo Clinic study finds dysfunctional white blood cells linked to heightened melanoma risk

ROCHESTER, Minn. — About 8 to 10 million Americans over age 40 have an overabundance of cloned white blood cells, or lymphocytes, that hamper their immune systems. Although many who have this condition — called monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) — do not experience any symptoms, a new study shows they may have an elevated risk for several health complications, including melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The findings, by Mayo Clinic researchers, are published in a new paper in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Study From Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Shows Aged Male Fibroblasts Increase Melanoma Treatment Resistance

PHILADELPHIA (September 6, 2024) — In a study published today in the prestigious journal Cell, researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center showed changes that occur with age in male skin fibroblasts contributed to an increase in the spread of melanoma cells and made cancer cells resistant to targeted therapy.

Melanoma Deadlier in Men Due to Age-Related Changes in Their Fibroblasts

The results of newly reported research in human cells and in mice, carried out by scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, suggest that age-related changes in fibroblasts contribute to the development of aggressive, treatment-resistant melanoma in males. The researchers, co-led by Ashani Weeraratna, PhD, the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, E.V. McCollum Professor, and chair of the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at Johns Hopkins, found that human skin fibroblasts—cells that create the skin’s structure—show age-and sex-specific changes in proliferation and stress response, and that male fibroblasts age faster due to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Dr Tarhini on the Combination of High-Dose Bolus IL-2 and CTLA-4 Inhibition in Advanced Melanoma

Ahmad Tarhini, MD, PhD, director, Cutaneous Clinical and Translational Research, leader, Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Translational Science Program, senior member, Moffitt Cancer Center, Research Institute Departments of Cutaneous Oncology and Immunology; professor, Oncologic Sciences, the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine; chair, Scientific Committee, Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN); chair, ORIEN ImmunoOncology Research Subcommittee, discusses the rationale for investigating high-dose bolus interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus concurrent low-dose ipilimumab (Yervoy), followed sequentially by nivolumab (Opdivo), in patients with advanced melanoma.

First-Line Nivolumab/Relatlimab vs Nivolumab/Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma

In an analysis reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Georgina V. Long, PhD, MBBS, and colleagues performed an indirect comparison of outcomes with first-line nivolumab/relatlimab vs nivolumab/ipilimumab for advanced melanoma using patient-level data from trials supporting approval of the two regimens: RELATIVITY-047 and CheckMate 067, respectively. No direct comparisons of the regimens in this setting have been reported previously.

Dysfunctional White Blood Cells Linked to Higher Melanoma Risk

About 8 to 10 million Americans over age 40 have an overabundance of cloned white blood cells, or lymphocytes, that hamper their immune systems. Although many who have this condition — called monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) — do not experience any symptoms, a new study shows they may have an elevated risk for several health complications, including melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The findings, by Mayo Clinic researchers, are published in a new paper in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Dual Checkpoint Blockade Usurps PD-1 Monotherapy as Gold Standard in Unresectable Melanoma

Updated findings from the phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 trial (NCT03470922) showing sustained responses and favorable survival outcomes with nivolumab (Opdivo) plus relatlimab-rmbw (Opdualag) in previously untreated patients with metastatic or unresectable melanoma signal the diminishing role for anti–PD-1 monotherapy in the frontline setting, according to Ankit Mangla, MD.

RELATIVITY-048 Data Highlight Potential of Triplet ICI Regimen for Advanced Melanoma

The addition of ipilimumab (Yervoy) to nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw (Opdualag) has generated high response rates and promising survival outcomes as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced melanoma in the phase 1/2 RELATIVITY-048 trial (NCT03459222), signifying the viability of triplet checkpoint blockade for this patient population, according to Ankit Mangla, MD. However, larger studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this approach for use in the frontline setting.

Combo immunotherapy produces distinct waves of cancer-fighting T cells with each dose

PHILADELPHIA – A new tool for monitoring immune health patterns over time has revealed how a pair of checkpoint inhibitor therapies works together to recruit new cancer-fighting T cells with every infusion. Findings from the use of the new tool, developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC), were published today in Cancer Cell. The study challenges fundamental assumptions about how a common immunotherapy drug combination activates different types of T cells to defeat cancer and could help researchers more precisely measure immune response in future clinical trials.

Resected Melanoma: Subsequent Systemic Therapy After Recurrence on Adjuvant Nivolumab

In an analysis from the phase III CheckMate 238 trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, and colleagues found that progression-free and overall survival were improved with subsequent systemic therapy following late vs early recurrence with adjuvant nivolumab in patients with resected stage IIIB–C or IV melanoma.

Dr Long on Unmet Needs in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma

Georgina V. Long, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, co-medical director, Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), and chair, Melanoma Medical Oncology and Translational Research, MIA and Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, discusses the remaining unmet needs for patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma and how data from the phase 3 NADINA trial (NCT04949113) could help address some of these needs.

Dr Tarhini on Hogh-Dose Bolus IL-2 With Ipilimumab Followed by Nivolumab in Melanoma

Ahmad Tarhini, MD, PhD, director, Cutaneous Clinical and Translational Research, leader, Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Translational Science Program, senior member, Moffitt Cancer Center, Research Institute Departments of Cutaneous Oncology and Immunology; professor, Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine; chair, Scientific Committee, Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN); chair, ORIEN ImmunoOncology Research Subcommittee, discusses the use of high-dose bolus interleukin-2 (IL-2) with concurrent low-dose ipilimumab (Yervoy), followed sequentially by nivolumab (Opdivo), in patients with advanced melanoma.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy marks a milestone in cancer treatment, researchers say

The recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of lifileucel, the first commercial tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for advanced melanoma, marks a significant breakthrough in cancer therapy. In a new commentary published in Cancer Cell, Moffitt Cancer Center scientists provide a comprehensive overview of the therapy’s development and highlight its transformative potential.

Q&A: Researchers discuss identifying potential new protein targets for melanoma therapeutics

Yu-Hwa Huang, Ph.D. and Charles Yoon, MD, of the Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital respectively, are co-lead authors of a paper titled “High-dimensional mapping of human CEACAM1 expression on immune cells and association with melanoma drug resistance," published in Communications Medicine. In this article, they discuss their findings.

New Standard in Melanoma May Save $1 Billion While Improving Lives

A new standard is poised to transform melanoma care in terms of both patient outcomes and economics. Results from the phase 3 NADINA trial (Abstract LBA2), presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, showed that a six-week course of neoadjuvant immunotherapy was superior to two years of adjuvant immunotherapy in treating macroscopic, resectable stage III melanoma.

RELATIVITY-048: Triplet Immunotherapy Shows Activity in Untreated Advanced Melanoma

As a first-line treatment of advanced melanoma, the triplet immunotherapy regimen of nivolumab, relatlimab-rmbw, and ipilimumab produced high response rates and promising progression-free and overall survival in the nonrandomized phase I/II RELATIVITY-048 trial, as reported by Paolo Antonio Ascierto, MD, of the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori IRCCS in Naples, Italy, at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting.

Dr Khushalani on Fixed-Dose Treatment Regimens in Advanced Melanoma

Nikhil Khushalani, MD, vice chair, Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the benefits and limitations of fixed-dose treatment regimens, such as the combination of fianlimab (formerly REGN 3767) and cemiplimab-rwlc (Libtayo) that is under investigation in the phase 3 HARMONY HEAD TO HEAD trial (NCT06246916) in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

Triplet Immunotherapy Shows Promise in Early-Phase Trial of Untreated Advanced Melanoma

The triplet combination of nivolumab, relatlimab, and ipilimumab offered promising response rates and survival outcomes in patients with untreated advanced melanoma, according to preliminary data from the nonrandomized phase 1/2 RELATIVITY-048 trial (Abstract 9504). Although the results require confirmation in larger randomized trials, the 4-year overall survival (OS) rate seen with the triplet regimen compares favorably with other nivolumab-based combinations in this setting.

Neoadjuvant Nivolumab/Ipilimumab New Standard of Care for Stage III Melanoma

Neoadjuvant nivolumab (Opdivo) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) followed by therapeutic lymph node dissection (TLND) and response-driven adjuvant therapy reduced the risk of progression, recurrence, or death by 68% compared with TLND and adjuvant nivolumab alone for patients with macroscopic stage III node-positive melanoma, according to findings from the phase 3 NADINA study presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Looking Ahead for Melanoma Treatment

While checkpoint inhibitors are a mainstay in the field of advanced melanoma treatment, novel and reimagined therapies offer new hope for this challenging disease state. These therapies include using older agents like interluekin-2 (IL-2) or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and modifying them to make their activity more potent against melanoma. Additionally, oncolytic vaccines administered into the tumor or systemically can help to sensitize the immune system and improve the response to checkpoint inhibitors.

OBX-115 With Acetazolamide Induces Safe and Durable Antitumor Responses in Advanced Melanoma

Intravenous infusion with OBX-115, an IL-2–free, regulatable, engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy was well tolerated and produced durable antitumor responses in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-resistant advanced melanoma, according to data from a first-in-human, single-center, phase 1 study (NCT05470283) presented at the 2024 AACR Annual Meeting.

Dr Eroglu on Addressing Unmet Needs in Mutant Melanoma

Zeynep Eroglu, MD, medical oncologist, Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center; assistant professor, Department of Oncologic Sciences, the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, discusses unmet needs that currently exist for patients with mutant melanoma, highlighting a phase 1/2 trial (NCT03501368) that evaluated ceritinib (Zykadia) alone and in combination with trametinib (Mekinist) for these patients.

Immunotherapy Resistance and Response to Adoptive Therapy in Patients With Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

Researchers may have uncovered the mechanisms behind conventional immunotherapy resistance as well as the efficacy of adoptive therapy in metastatic uveal melanoma, according to a recent study published by Leonard-Murali et al in Nature Communications. The findings demonstrated the potential to improve personalized therapies and avoid unnecessary treatments in metastatic uveal melanoma.

Dr Kirkwood on the Evolving Treatment of Resected Melanoma

John M. Kirkwood, MD, Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Sandra and Thomas Usher Professor of Medicine, Dermatology & Translational Science, coleader, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, the University of Pittsburgh, discusses the significance of the FDA approval of adjuvant nivolumab (Opdivo) for patients with resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma.

A melanoma subtype emerges from the shadows

Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources is a key risk factor for cutaneous melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Having fair skin also increases the risk. The countries with the highest incidence of melanoma, including Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark, are largely composed of populations of European descent (1).

Dr Migden on RP1 in Advanced Cutaneous Malignancies After Solid Organ Transplant

Michael R. Migden, MD, dermatologist, professor, Department of Dermatology, Division of Internal Medicine and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, and program director, ACGME Fellowship:Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses efficacy data from the phase 1b/2 ARTACUS trial (NCT04349436) evaluating the oncolytic immunotherapy RP1 in patients with advanced non-melanoma cutaneous malignancies who underwent prior solid organ transplant.

Tunlametinib Wins Approval in China for NRAS+ Advanced Melanoma After PD-1/PD-L1 Therapy

China’s NMPA has approved tunlametinib for the treatment of patients with NRAS-mutated advanced melanoma after prior anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved tunlametinib (HL-085) for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma harboring NRAS mutations who were previously treated with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.

Managing Immune-Related Toxicities Key to Immunotherapy for Skin Cancer

Incidence of melanoma and keratinocyte (nonmelanoma) skin cancers, such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas (SCC and BCC, respectively), continues to increase, but mortality rates are stable or declining because of an explosion of treatment options, including numerous immunotherapy regimens, according to an oral presentation at the 2024 Oncology Nurse Advisor Summit.

FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Lifileucel for Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma

On February 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to lifileucel (Amtagvi), a tumor-derived autologous T-cell immunotherapy, for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who were previously treated with a PD-1 blocking antibody, or, if they have BRAF V600 mutation–positive disease, a BRAF inhibitor with or without a MEK inhibitor.
C-144-01 Trial

Addition of Lifileucel to Advanced Melanoma Arsenal Marks Milestone for TIL Therapy in Solid Tumor Management

As the first cellular and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy product to be approved by the FDA for patients with solid tumors, lifileucel (Amtagvi) could usher in a paradigm shift in advanced melanoma management, thereby paving the way for several other TIL products to gain approval, according to Daniel Olson, MD.

UV1 Vaccination Plus Nivolumab/Ipilimumab Falls Short in Metastatic Melanoma

The addition of the universal cancer vaccine UV1 to the combination of nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy) did not improve progression-free survival (PFS) compared with nivolumab plus ipilimumab alone in the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, failing to meet the primary end point of the phase 2 INITIUM trial (NCT04382664).

Immune networks in tumors found to prime responses to personalized immunotherapy

Through an analysis of tumor samples collected over time from patients with advanced melanoma, a Ludwig Cancer Research study has identified a set of preexisting conditions in tumors that predict whether such patients are likely to respond to a personalized immunotherapy known as adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL)

Quest Diagnostics Debuts MelaNodal Predict™ Test, Personalizing Melanoma Risk Prediction to Help Patients Forgo Invasive Surgery

SECAUCUS, N.J., and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the nation’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced the launch of MelaNodal Predict™, a highly advanced predictive gene expression test to help personalize treatment decisions for patients with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of the most common cancers in the United States.

Antibiotic Exposure Prior to First-Line Immune Checkpoint Blockade Negatively Impacted Survival Outcomes Among Patients With Melanoma

According to results from a retrospective cohort study, antibiotic exposure within 60 days prior to initiation of immune checkpoint blockade was associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) results among patients with treatment-naïve cutaneous or mucosal melanoma when compared with antibiotic exposure after initiation of immune checkpoint blockade.

FDA Approves First Cellular Therapy to Treat Patients with Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Amtagvi (lifileucel), the first cellular therapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with a type of skin cancer (melanoma) that is unable to be removed with surgery (unresectable) or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) that previously has been treated with other therapies (a PD-1 blocking antibody, and if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor with or without a MEK inhibitor).

Imaging just one week after starting treatment can predict melanoma response to immunotherapy

While the standard timing for imaging patients’ tumors after immunotherapy is three months, researchers found that imaging patients with melanoma after just one week of treatment illuminated metabolic changes in their tumors that corresponded with a response to the treatment and longer survival, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine

SkylineDx Announces Grant of European Patent and Advances in Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SAN DIEGO, Jan. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SkylineDx, an innovative diagnostics company focused on the research and development of molecular diagnostics, is excited to announce that the European Patent Office (EPO) has granted European Patent No. 3827101, marking a groundbreaking advancement in the field of cancer diagnostics and personalized treatment.

Dr Possik on the Importance of Diversity and Equity in Melanoma Research

Patricia A. Possik, PhD, assistant investigator, Division of Cellular Biology, Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, discusses the importance of efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in melanoma research, including how a more diverse research landscape can influence the efficacy and relevance of treatment approaches in acral lentiginous melanoma.

3D scanner leaves no melanoma undetected

Source: Medical Republic, January 2024 A3D scanner that captures every nook and cranny of a patient’s skin will be available to NSW Mid North Coast residents next year to improve early detection and boost melanoma research. The scanner will be one of 15 whole-body imaging machines to be rolled out…

Castle Biosciences Presents Data Supporting the Utility of Its Tests in the Clinical Care of Patients with Skin Cancers at the 2024 Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference – Hawaii®

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Castle Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTL), a company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care, will present new data across its dermatologic portfolio of commercially available and pipeline gene expression profile (GEP) tests at the 2024 Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference – Hawaii, being held Jan. 12-17 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

ctDNA Patterns May Predict Outcomes Achieved With mRNA-4157 Plus Pembrolizumab in High-Risk Melanoma

The addition of a personalized mRNA vaccine to standard-of-care (SOC) pembrolizumab (Keytruda) improved survival outcomes vs pembrolizumab alone in resected high-risk melanoma, and monitoring ctDNA patterns over time can provide valuable insights into the degree of benefit patients can expect to achieve from the approach, according to Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD.

Wistar scientists enhance cell-based therapy to destroy solid tumors

PHILADELPHIA—(Dec. 13, 2023)—Wistar researchers successfully tested a simple intervention that could unlock greater anti-tumor power in therapies that use T cells — an approach known as “cell-based therapy,” which uses specially designed T cells to fight cancer. Led by Dr. Hildegund C.J. Ertl — a professor in The Wistar Institute’s Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center — the team has proven an exciting concept: that the common cholesterol drug fenofibrate can boost T cells’ ability to destroy human tumors, as described in their new paper, “Treatment with the PPAR? agonist fenofibrate improves the efficacy of CD8+ T cell therapy for melanoma,” published in Molecular Therapy Oncolytics.

OBX-115 Elicits Responses in Advanced or Metastatic Melanoma

The tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy OBX-115 produced responses with no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in heavily pretreated patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma whose who had progressed on anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 therapy with disease that was primary-resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, according to topline data from a phase 1 trial (NCT05470283).

SD-101 With Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Generates Positive Results in Uveal Melanoma Liver Metastasis

Treatment with SD-101 distributed via pressure-enabled drug delivery with immune checkpoint inhibition was tolerated and resulted in the depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs), and M2 macrophages in liver metastases in patients with uveal melanoma, according to data from the phase 1 PERIO-01 trial (NCT04935229) presented at the 2023 SITC Annual Meeting.

Opdualag licensed for patients with advanced melanoma

This is a cancer medicine used to treat advanced melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body. The main risk factor for melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds. Around 17,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year in the UK, although not all of those are advanced melanoma.

Oncolytic Adenovirus TILT-123 Combined With TIL Therapy Is Safe in Metastatic Melanoma

Intravenous and intratumoral treatment with TILT-123 was found to be safe and feasible, with no dose-limiting toxicities when given alone or in combination with tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in patients with advanced, metastatic melanoma, according to data from a phase 1 trial (NCT04217473) presented at the 2023 ESMO Immuno-Oncology Annual Congress.

Bemcentinib Plus SOC Is Well Tolerated, But Does Not Improve Efficacy in Metastatic Melanoma

The addition of bemcentinib (BGB324) to the standard-of-care (SOC) therapies of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or dabrafenib (Tafinlar) plus trametinib (Mekinist) was well tolerated in patients with metastatic melanoma; however, it did not lead to improvements in overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS) vs SOC alone, according to data from the phase 1b/2 BGBIL006 trial (NCT02872259).

Study: Key mechanisms of action differences in immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapies for advanced melanoma

Checkpoint inhibitors that activate the immune system to target cancer cells for destruction have revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with advanced melanoma, leading to more options and improved patient survival. Despite the approval of several immune checkpoint inhibitor regimens for melanoma, scientists do not completely understand their anticancer effects.

Dr Weber on Survival Outcomes With mRNA-4157 Plus Pembrolizumab in High-Risk Melanoma

S. Weber, MD, PhD, deputy director, codirector, the Melanoma Research Program, NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Professor of Oncology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses findings from the phase 2b mRNA-4157-P201/KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881) of mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in resected high-risk melanoma.

3-Year Overall Survival With Tebentafusp in Previously Untreated Advanced Uveal Melanoma

In an analysis presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023 (Abstract LBA50) and reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Jessica C. Hassel, MD, and colleagues, overall survival at 3 years in the phase III IMCgp100-202 trial continued to favor tebentafusp-tebn over investigator’s choice of treatment in previously untreated patients with HLA-A*02:01–positive unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma.

Assay (CP-GEP) in melanoma care

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SAN DIEGO, Oct. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — SkylineDx an innovative diagnostics company focused on research & development of molecular diagnostics for oncology and inflammatory diseases, proudly announces the successful clinical validation and implementation of the clinicopathologic and gene expression profile (CP-GEP) model in a multicenter Dutch study focused on patients with melanoma.

Dr Buchbinder on Treatment With Nivolumab Maintenance Following irAEs in Melanoma

Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, assistant professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School, senior physician, Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the investigation of treatment with nivolumab (Opdivo) maintenance therapy in patients with melanoma who experienced severe immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) associated with combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab (Yervoy).

Differences Between Community and Academic Settings Regarding Biomarker Testing Practices in Metastatic Melanoma

The panelists emphasize the importance of obtaining tissue for BRAF-mutation testing and dedicated tissue tracking in patients with metastatic melanoma, with immunohistochemistry followed by confirmatory next-generation sequencing, and discuss the promise of liquid biopsies like ctDNA as a future biomarker tracking modality.

Multidisciplinary Consideration of Frontline Modalities Should Guide Decisions in Melanoma With In-Transit Metastases

Danielle K. DePalo, MD, explains the lack of research directly comparing first-line treatment options for patients with unresectable melanoma in-transit metastases, expands on the safety and efficacy of 3 treatment modalities for these patients, and underscores the need for more data to inform the management of these patients.

mRNA Vaccine Continues to Show Promise in Resected Melanoma

The individualized neoantigen therapy mRNA-4157 (V940), combined with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), improved relapse-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) compared with pembrolizumab alone in patients with high-risk resected melanoma, according to findings from the phase 2 KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881) presented at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO).

Detecting Melanoma Copy Number Variation: Novel CDKN2A Quantitation Using Droplet Digital PCR

Doctors can often identify signs of a melanoma through a visual examination of a patient’s skin, by using a dermoscope or other tools. But additional information is sometimes needed to make a precise diagnosis, according to SciBase, a medical tech company based in Stockholm, Sweden—which has developed a device it says provides exactly that.

FDA Approves Melphalan Hepatic Delivery System for Adult Patients With Unresectable Hepatic-Dominant Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

On August 14, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HEPZATO KIT, a melphalan hepatic delivery system, as a liver-directed treatment for adult patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and unresectable hepatic metastases affecting less than 50% of the liver and no extrahepatic disease, or extrahepatic disease limited to the bone, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues, or lung that is amenable to resection or radiation.

Nurse Practitioner Lisa Kottschade Discusses Immune-Related Adverse Events, Biomarkers

Lisa A. Kottschade, RN, CNP, FAPO, discussed immune-related adverse events, which she presented on at The American Journal of Managed Care®’s Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event hosted by Minnesota Oncology in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 12. Kottschade, who is primarily interested in malignant melanoma treatment, also discussed the use of biomarkers.

Dr Spira on the Evaluation of Fianlimab Plus Cemiplimab in Advanced Melanoma

Alexander I. Spira, MD, PhD, FACP, co-director, Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute, director, Thoracic and Phase I Program, clinical assistant professor, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, discusses the evaluation of the LAG-3 inhibitor fianlimab plus cemiplimab-rwlc (Libtayo) in patients with advanced melanoma who were PD-L1 inhibitor–naïve, as seen in the findings from a phase 1 study (NCT03005782).

Melanoma: causes, identification and diagnosis

The British broadcaster and DJ, Chris Evans, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a skin cancer called a “melanoma”. The 57-year-old says that he was tested for the disease after his masseuse noticed a mark on his shin. So, what exactly is melanoma? Julia Newton-Bishop is a professor of dermatology at the University of Leeds…

Dr Monga on the Background of Investigating PRT811 in Glioma and Melanoma

Varun Monga, MD, clinical associate professor, internal medicine, hematology, oncology, and blood and marrow transplantation, University of Iowa, discusses the background for investigating the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) brain-penetrant inhibitor PRT811 in a phase 1 study (NCT04089449) in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma or uveal melanoma, as well as the agent’s mechanism of action.

2023 MRV Scientific Exchange Meeting

Melanoma Research Victoria warmly invites you to attend the 2023 MRV Scientific Exchange Meeting. Wednesday 6th December 2023 6.00pm-8.00pm Innovation & Education Hub (Lecture Theatre), The Alfred, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004 OR ONLINE via Microsoft Teams All members of the melanoma community, including: patients; carers; consumers; clinicians; researchers; health professionals;…

Dr McKean on the Rationale For Evaluating LAG-3 Inhibitors in Advanced Melanoma

Meredith McKean, MD, MPH, discusses the rationale for investigating the LAG-3 inhibitor fianlimab in combination with cemiplimab-rwlc in patients with advanced melanoma, highlighting the combination’s efficacy in both PD-1 inhibitor-exposed and –naïve populations, as well as the combinations its potential clinical significance within the advanced melanoma space.

A drug for heart conditions improves efficacy of melanoma therapies

A collaborative study undertaken by the Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center (Pamplona, ??Navarre), the Institute of Neurosciences CSIC-UMH (Sant Joan d’Alacant, Valencian Community) and IRB Barcelona (Barcelona, ??Catalonia) shows that the administration of ranolazine, a drug currently used to treat heart conditions, improves the efficacy of current therapies for melanoma, in mouse models of this disease.

Pembrolizumab Elicits Long-Term Survival Benefit in Advanced Melanoma

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) demonstrated long-term survival benefit compared with ipilimumab (Yervoy) in patients with unresectable stage III/IV melanoma who received up to 1 prior systemic therapy, according to 7-year follow-up data from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-006 (NCT01866319) trial, which included some patients who transitioned to the phase 3 KEYNOTE-587 (NCT03486873) extension study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

A medication used for heart conditions improves the efficacy of current treatments for melanoma in mouse models

A collaborative study undertaken by the Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center (Pamplona, Navarre), the Institute of Neurosciences CSIC-UMH (Sant Joan d’Alacant, Valencian Community) and IRB Barcelona (Barcelona, Catalonia) shows that the administration of ranolazine, a drug currently used to treat heart conditions, improves the efficacy of current therapies for melanoma, in mouse models of this disease.

Dr Sullivan on the Reduction of ctDNA With Tebentafusp in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

Ryan J. Sullivan, MD, associate professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School, associate director. the Melanoma Program, Massachusetts General Cancer, discusses the early reduction of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma treated with tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak) and shares how these reductions could correlate with longer overall survival (OS) in patients with a best response of stable disease.

Atezolizumab, Vemurafenib, and Cobimetinib in Patients With BRAF V600–Mutated Melanoma and CNS Metastases

A revised report of findings from the phase II TRICOTEL study of atezolizumab, vemurafenib, and cobimetinib in patients with melanoma and central nervous system (CNS) metastases was published in The Lancet Oncology by Reinhard Dummer, MD, and colleagues. The first version of trial findings, published online in August 2022, was retracted.

Dr Buchbinder on Treatment Decisions After Severe irAEs With Nivolumab/Ipilimumab in Melanoma

Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, assistant professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School, senior physician, Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the rationale for investigating nivolumab (Opdivo) maintenance therapy in patients with melanoma who experienced severe immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) due to combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab (Yervoy), and details the findings of this investigation.

Fecal transplants show promise in improving melanoma treatment

In a world-first clinical trial published in the journal Nature Medicine, a multi-centre study from Lawson Health Research Institute, the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) has found fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) from healthy donors are safe and show promise in improving response to immunotherapy in patients with advanced melanoma.

Melanoma Research Alliance’s RARE Registry for Acral & Mucosal Melanoma Surpasses Industry-Leading 100-Patient Milestone

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research, today announced that the RARE Registry for acral and mucosal melanoma has officially surpassed 100 patients, making it the largest registry of its kind in the world and marking an important milestone in advancing cutting-edge research for these rare and difficult-to-treat melanoma subtypes.

BRAF Class II and NRAS-Targeting Drug Shows Promising Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability in Early Phase I Data

Exarafenib, a pan-RAF inhibitor being investigated as a monotherapy in BRAF and NRAS-driven solid tumors by Kinnate Biopharma, was well-tolerated and demonstrated early signs of activity with durable responses in various patient populations, including those with BRAF Class II and NRAS-mutant melanoma, according to early Phase I trial results.

Size, Location, Affiliation of Practice Impact Immunotherapy Adoption Rates

According to an analysis of Medicare fee-for- service beneficiaries treated with chemotherapy between 2010 and 2017, the speed at which immunotherapy is adopted by oncology practices depends on their size, location, and affiliation (rural or urban, independent or health system–affiliated, academic or nonacademic, smaller or larger [1 to 5 physicians vs 6 or more]).

Development of FHD-286 Monotherapy Will Not Continue in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

Although the highly potent, selective, allosteric, oral, small molecule BRG1/BRM inhibitor FHD-286 elicited signs of clinical activity and safety as monotherapy in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma in the dose-escalation portion of a phase 1 trial (NCT04879017), further development in this indication will not be pursued, according to an announcement from Foghorn Therapeutics.

Researchers discovered how melanoma changes its environment to support metastasis

Newswise — A fresh analysis performed at Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center unveils how melanoma tumor cells impact their nearby surroundings to aid their requirements – by generating fresh lymph channels in the dermis to penetrate further into the skin and extend throughout the body. The scientists hold the view that this novel finding might aid in the advancement of an immunization against this fatal cancer.

Combination of mRNA-4157 With Pembrolizumab Improves Survival in Melanoma

In the phase 2 KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881), mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) led to a reduced risk of developing distant metastasis or death by approximately 65% vs with pembrolizumab alone as adjuvant therapy in patients with resected melanoma at high risk of recurrence, according to findings presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.

After Decades of Limited Treatment Options, New Treatments Are Showing Promise for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

In an interview with Pharmacy Times at the Oncology Pharmacists Connect conference, Heather Armbruster, PharmD, BCOP, outpatient clinical pharmacy manager at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, discussed the growing armamentarium of treatment options for non-melanoma skin cancers. With immune checkpoint inhibitors in particular, patients are seeing greater results with fewer adverse effects.

Step Closer to Beating Melanoma?

A new study conducted at Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center reveals how melanoma cancer cells affect their close environment to support their needs – by forming new lymph vessels in the dermis to go deeper into the skin and spread through the body. The

Cost-effectiveness of second-line ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma: a real-world population-based cohort study of resource utilization

Background — The efficacy-effectiveness gap between randomized trial and real-world evidence regarding the clinical benefit of ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma (MM) has been well characterized by previous literature, consistent with initial concerns raised by health technology assessment agencies (HTAs).

Pointers With Portela: Surviving Melanoma

Dustin Portela, DO, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Treasure Valley Dermatology in Boise, Idaho, interviews a patient who has been battling metastatic stage IV melanoma for many years. In his most recent Health IQ podcast, Portela speaks with Katie, who used her experience of her melanoma diagnosis to become an advocate for those living with melanoma.

First-Line Nivolumab/Ipilimumab Followed by Nivolumab in a Clinically Diverse Population With Unresectable Stage III or IV Melanoma

In the phase IIIb CheckMate 401 trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Reinhard Dummer, MD, and colleagues described outcomes with first-line nivolumab/ipilimumab followed by nivolumab in a clinically diverse population of patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma, including patients with a poorer performance status, brain metastases, and different melanoma subtypes.

Cancer Vaccine mRNA-4157 Improves Recurrence-Free Survival for Patients With High-Risk Melanoma

Adjuvant treatment with mRNA-4157 plus pembrolizumab led to a 65% reduction in the risk of distant metastasis or death compared with pembrolizumab alone, among patients with resected melanoma at high risk of recurrence, according to findings from the phase 2 KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881) that were presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.

Dual Stem Cell Treatment Targets Melanoma Brain Metastases in Mice

Overall survival for patients with melanoma that has spread to the brain is only four to six months. Immunotherapies, which harness the power of the immune system to attack cancer cells, have garnered excitement in recent years for their potential to revolutionize the treatment of metastatic melanomas, but results from early clinical studies indicate that the prognosis for most patients with brain metastatic disease remains poor.

BRAF Testing For Melanoma: Types, Procedure & Results

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It has become a significant global public health concern. The American Cancer Society predicts that approximately 97,610 new cases of Melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023, with more men than women affected. Early identification and effective management of this disease are crucial in improving the survival rates of people with Melanoma.

High levels of memory killer cells correlate with better survival in melanoma patients

Our skin contains specialized long-lived killer cells that protect against intruders. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark have now identified how these cells are formed, and shown that high levels of memory killer cells in cancer tissue correlate with a better survival rate in people with melanoma. The study is published in the journal Immunity.

PRT811 Shows Preliminary Efficacy, Consistent Safety in Advanced Glioma and Uveal Melanoma

PRT811, a protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) brain-penetrant inhibitor, has exhibited clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile in patients with IDH-positive recurrent, high-grade glioma and splicing mutation (SPLC)-positive uveal melanoma treated in the dose-expansion stage of a phase 1 study (NCT04089449), consistent with findings from the dose-escalation stage of the trial.

Fianlimab/Cemiplimab Demonstrates Early Clinical Activity and Safety in Advanced Melanoma

The LAG-3 inhibitor fianlimab plus cemiplimab (Libtayo) produced high and consistent tumor responses and a comparable toxicity profile to that of anti–PD-L1 monotherapies in patients with advanced melanoma who were PD-L1 inhibitor–naïve in the advanced setting, according to data from a phase 1 study (NCT03005782) presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.

Dr Tawbi on Nivolumab Plus Relatlimab in Metastatic Melanoma

Hussein A. Tawbi, MD, PhD, professor, deputy chair, director, Personalized Cancer Therapy, Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the 2-year findings from the phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 trial (NCT03470922) of nivolumab plus relatlimab-rmbw (Opdualag) in treatment-naïve patients with metastatic or unresectable melanoma.

Education Can Help Address Racial Disparities in Skin Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, Says Dr Sancy Leachman

Addressing racial disparities in skin cancer involves education, understanding rates of risk and ethnicity, and knowledge of the different types of melanoma, which makes skin cancer disparities complex to attack, said Sancy Leachman, MD, PhD, professor and chair in the Department of Dermatology and director of the Melanoma Research Program at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health and Science University.

Biological Patterns in Pediatric Melanoma

In a recent systematic review, researchers sought to evaluate the historical evidence of pediatric melanoma, citing the current evidence’s heterogeneity, particularly regarding melanoma subtypes and prognosis. Furthermore, they intended to highlight major sources of pediatric melanoma heterogeneity, particularly among single patients.

The “hidden” melanoma

The first Monday in May is Melanoma Day. In all probability, most people of color completely ignored it. That’s understandable. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is more common in Whites. For instance, the rate of new cases in White men is 37.9 per 100,000 men versus 1.0 per 100,000 men in Blacks.

Treating Patients with High-Risk Melanoma

Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS: Talk briefly about patients with high-risk melanoma. For example, for patients with stage III melanoma, a number of trials have led to approvals initially of high-dose ipilimumab and anti–PD-1, as well as combination BRAF/MEK for those who have a BRAF mutation. For a patient with stage III disease, Dr Khushalani, when do you decide to treat and with what agent, especially if they’re BRAF mutated?

Pierce Underscores the Importance of 2-Step Verification With Relatlimab/Nivolumab

On this episode of The Vitals, Oncology Nursing News® talks with Amber Pierce RN, BSN, OCN, regional nurse manager at Oncology Hematology Associates, an American Oncology Network partner practice, about the importance of 2-step verification with nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw (Opdualag), which was approved for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma in March 2022.

In a ‘rapid autopsy’ study, UCLA researchers identify lethal molecular alterations after present-day therapies fail patients with metastatic melanoma

In a new translational study from UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, researchers analyzed genetic changes in the organs of recently deceased patients to understand how metastatic cutaneous melanoma spreads in those who had initially benefited from precision therapies. Results are published online ahead of print in Nature Medicine.

Melanoma Monday 2023: Date, History, Activities and Facts

Melanoma Monday 2023: The American Academy of Dermatology created Melanoma Monday, which occurs on the first Monday in May May 1 this year three weeks prior to National Safe Sun Week, to raise awareness of the disease’s symptoms, causes, and prevention, and the day has become associated with wearing black clothing. Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, affects one in fifty Americans at some stage in their lives. There are numerous ways to prevent melanoma, so spend extra time today learning how to lower your risk!

Researchers Study Genetic Changes in Tumors of Recently Deceased Patients With Melanoma

Researchers have found that studying the landscape of DNA and RNA alterations across multiple organs of metastasis may provide a new direction in cancer therapeutics to address treatment failure, according to a new study published by Liu et al in Nature Medicine. The new findings from analyzing genetic changes in the organs of recently deceased patients may help researchers understand how metastatic cutaneous melanoma spreads in those who had initially benefited from precision therapies.

Krista Rubin Breaks Down Best Practices With Tebentafusp for Uveal Melanoma

In this episode of The Vitals, Krista M. Rubin, RN, MS, FNP-BC, joins Oncology Nursing News® to discuss best nursing practices with tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak) for patients with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma. Rubin is a nurse practitioner with the Center for Melanoma at Massachusetts General Hospital, with over 20 years of experience caring for patients with melanoma. She is also the chair of the Melanoma Nursing Initiative.

Early ctDNA Testing Provides Another Tool for Predicting Survival Outcomes With Tebentafusp in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

The incorporation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing into standard practice for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma receiving tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak) may provide a more accurate assessment of the agent’s efficacy compared with radiographic response, and better inform the decision to continue or discontinue treatment, according to Ryan J. Sullivan, MD.

IRAK-4 Inhibitor CA-4948 May Enhance Immunotherapeutic Outcomes in Melanoma With Brain Metastases

Promising preclinical findings have demonstrated that IRAK-4 is a viable target to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with melanoma who have brain metastases. The development of the oral, IRAK-4 inhibitor, CA-4948, showed enhanced antitumor activity and efforts are underway to evaluate the agent in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in a first in-human clinical trial (NCT05669352), according to Bently Doonan, MD.

MYC inhibition in melanoma: preclinical promise and the unveiling of a prognostic gene signature

Published in the journal Genes & Development*, results of a study led by Laura Soucek, co-Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology’s Preclinical and Translational Research Program, show that the expression of Omomyc in preclinical melanoma models disrupts MYC activity and alters gene expression profiles, reducing cancer proliferation and progression.

mRNA Vaccine, Plus Pembrolizumab, Minimizes Recurrence Rate in Melanoma

The personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine mRNA-4157 (V940) plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda) demonstrated efficacy in the adjuvant setting for patients with resected high-risk melanoma. Findings from the open-label, randomized, phase 2b mRNA-4157-P201/KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881), showed that the combination improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared with pembrolizumab alone, regardless of tumor mutational burden (TMB).

Updated Results From KEYNOTE-695 Do Not Meet ORR Primary Endpoint in Advanced Melanoma

Primary results from the phase 2 KEYNOTE-695 study (NCT03132675) did not meet the prespecified end point of overall response rate (ORR) for previously treated patients with unresectable or metastatic (Stage III/IV) melanoma to the combination of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and a proprietary interleukin 12 (IL–12) intratumoral tavokinogene telseplasmid and electroporation (TAVO-EP).

New Class of Immunotherapy May Help Fight Aggressive Skin Cancer

A new class of immunotherapy shows promising results in patients who have the most aggressive form of skin cancer. from King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust studied whether a novel antibody can target and treat aggressive melanomas. According to study results, it activates the immune response to fight cancer and slows down the growth of melanoma in mice.

Study validates SkylineDx’s Merlin test can avoid surgery and lower healthcare costs

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — SkylineDx, an innovative diagnostics company focused on research & development of molecular diagnostics for oncology and inflammatory diseases, today announced research demonstrating significant cost-saving potential with use of its Merlin test, which may reduce the rate of unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) in SLNB-eligible patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Dr Sancy Leachman Discusses Tailoring Genetic Testing for Melanoma to the Patient

Each patient needs to weigh the benefits and risks of genetic testing for melanoma and have someone who can take the time to explain everything, including insurance risks, said Sancy Leachman, MD, PhD, professor and chair in the Department of Dermatology and director of the Melanoma Research Program at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health and Science University.

How Incurable Melanoma Resists Treatment

Researchers say they have found out how some skin cancers stop responding to treatment at the end of life. An analysis of 14 patients who died from incurable melanoma has revealed that changes to the order, structure, and number of copies of tumor DNA could cause some skin cancers to resist treatment. These changes also explain how melanoma can spread to other parts of the body.

REALITIVTY-047 Study Design Shows Mature Response Results in Melanoma

Jason Luke, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and the director of the Cancer Immunotherapeutics Center at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, discusses the unique design of the RELATIVITY-047 trial (NCT03470922) that demonstrated the efficacy of nivolumab (Opdivo) plus relatlimab (Opdualag) in patients with advanced melanoma.

Pharmacists Can Help Patients with Melanoma Monitor Immune-Related Adverse Events When Starting Newly Approved Immunotherapies

Julia Stevens, PharmD, BCOP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Ambulatory Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, discusses recent developments and patient considerations for 2 recent approved first-line therapies for melanoma at Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona, from March 29 to April 1, 2023.

Nivolumab Injected Directly Into Spinal Fluid May Be Safe and Effective for Some Patients With Melanoma Who Have Leptomeningeal Disease

Researchers have found that a novel approach to administer intrathecal and intravenous nivolumab has proven safe and improved survival in a subset of patients who developed leptomeningeal disease from metastatic melanoma, according to a new study published by Glitza Olivia et al in Nature Medicine.

Isolated Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan Improves Response Rate and PFS in Previously Untreated Patients with Isolated Liver Metastases from Uveal Melanoma

In a first analysis of a randomised controlled phase III study conducted among previously untreated patients with isolated liver metastases from primary uveal melanoma, a single treatment with isolated hepatic perfusion with melphalan was well tolerated with manageable side effects and resulted in significantly higher overall response rate (ORR) and improved progression-free survival (PFS) and hepatic PFS (hPFS) compared with the investigator’s choice of available treatments.

Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab in Desmoplastic Melanoma

Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab may significantly improve the management of desmoplastic melanoma, increasing the likelihood of successful resection and reducing the need for further surgery or radiation therapy, according to the response data presented at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting, with the surgical considerations presented at the 2023 Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) International Conference on Surgical Cancer Care.

Study Reveals How UV Radiation May Drive Melanoma

Transcription factors bind to DNA to help control gene regulation. They help ensure that the right genes are expressed in the right cells at the right time by binding to their target sites quickly and selectively. Just as a person may be drawn to a specific book in a library, a transcription factor is drawn to a specific target in DNA. But what happens when transcription factors pick the wrong target?

Indoor Tanning and Melanoma

The well-established link between excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from natural sunlight or from indoor tanning machines, and the development of all types of skin cancer is nothing new to dermatologists. However, a recent study1 clearly shows that the association between the use of tanning machines and the development of multiple primary melanomas is alarmingly high, with or without familial predisposition.

Independent study shows favorable long term prognosis for CP-GEP Low Risk melanoma patients

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SAN DIEGO, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — SkylineDx, an innovative diagnostics company, focused on research & development of molecular diagnostics for oncology and inflammatory diseases, today announced the publication of an independent study showing that gene expression profiling (CP-GEP model) can be used to identify primary cutaneous melanoma patients with a high risk for disease recurrence.

Dr. Pavlick on the IGNYTE Trial in Patients With Melanoma Following Anti–PD-1 Progression

Anna C. Pavlick, DO, professor of medicine, the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, founding director, the Cutaneous Oncology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, discusses the phase 2 IGNYTE trial (NCT03767348) examining vusolimogene oderparepvec (RP1), an oncolytic vaccine based on a proprietary new strain of herpes simplex virus, in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo) in 3 tumor-specific cohorts, including 1 featuring patients with anti–PD-1–failed cutaneous melanoma.

Study results show immunotherapy before and after surgery for advanced melanoma lowers recurrence risk

Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio melanoma expert Monte Shaheen, MD, was part of a team of investigators that conducted a phase II clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to determine the efficacy and safety of administering the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before and after surgery in high-risk melanoma patients.

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