New Targeted Therapies in Melanoma
New Targeted Therapies in Melanoma
Melanoma is often targeted for immune therapies on the basis of case reports of spontaneous regression of tumor. For many years, high-dose IL-2 was the only approved immunotherapy for stage IV melanoma, but its acute toxicities and low overall response rates (10% to 15%) have limited its use. Research has concentrated on improving immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma. Ipilimumab was recently approved and demonstrated an OS benefit in randomized trials; however, overall response rates are still low. Both high-dose IL-2 and ipilimumab are associated with long-term durable responses. Study results have shown that 20% to 30% of patients receiving ipilimumab achieve disease control 3 to 4 years following treatment. Combination immunotherapy studies are also underway.
Immunotherapy
Melanoma is often targeted for immune therapies on the basis of case reports of spontaneous regression of tumor. For many years, high-dose IL-2 was the only approved immunotherapy for stage IV melanoma, but its acute toxicities and low overall response rates (10% to 15%) have limited its use. Research has concentrated on improving immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma. Ipilimumab was recently approved and demonstrated an OS benefit in randomized trials; however, overall response rates are still low. Both high-dose IL-2 and ipilimumab are associated with long-term durable responses. Study results have shown that 20% to 30% of patients receiving ipilimumab achieve disease control 3 to 4 years following treatment. Combination immunotherapy studies are also underway.
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