The combination of the attenuated oncolytic virus talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab has passed an early safety evaluation for unresectable melanoma, investigators reported at the 2015 European Cancer Congress (ECC).1
MRV Research
Dabrafenib/Trametinib Combo Improves OS Versus Vemurafenib in Advanced Melanoma
The combination of dabrafenib (Tafinlar) plus trametinib (Mekinist) improved overall survival (OS) by 7.6 months compared with single-agent vemurafenib (Zelboraf) in patients with unresectable or metastatic BRAFV600E/K-mutant melanoma, according to a 2-year analysis of the phase III COMBI-v study presented at the 2015 European Cancer Congress.
Arteries may be best source for detecting circulating tumor cells
As the field of liquid biopsies for tracking disease progression and therapeutic response heats up, many doctors are looking for ways to apply this approach to their patients. Currently, assays for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) – one type of liquid biopsy – have been approved for diagnostic purposes in metastatic breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer. In these diseases, the presence of CTCs in the peripheral blood is associated with decreased progression-free survival and decreased overall survival.
Tailored treatment turns up the heat on melanomas
Precision medicine, a new way of delivering individualised treatments, is leading to major breakthroughs against one of Australia’s most common cancers