Immunotherapy in malignant melanoma: recent approaches and new perspectives. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arasanz, Hugo; Lacalle, Alejandra; Lecumberri, Maria José; de Lascoiti, Ángela Fernández; Blanco-Luquin, Idoia; GatoCañas, María; Pérez-Ricarte, Leyre; Zuazo, Miren; Kochan, Grazyna; Escors, David
• Is Part Of: Melanoma management. Volume 4:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: CTLA-4 -- immunotherapy -- melanoma -- oncology -- PD-1 -- PD-L1 -- review; Melanoma -- Periodicals; 616.99477005
• DOI: 10.2217/mmt-2016-0019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-0885

Abstract

Immunotherapy has radically transformed the management of metastatic malignant melanoma. Ipilimumab, a CTLA-4-targeted monoclonal antibody, was the first immunotherapeutic drug to reach a survival benefit compared with traditional chemotherapy. PD-1 targeted therapies, pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have demonstrated, in recent clinical trials, to be even more effective and safer. PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade combination appears to improve the outcomes achieved so far, although increasing toxicity. However, many questions concerning the optimal timing of administration or the most adequate sequence of treatment are yet to be answered.