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VIDEO: Intralesional agent, immunotherapy combination may increase response in metastatic melanoma
NEW YORK — Robert H.I. Andtbacka, MD, CM, FACS, FRCSC, surgical oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and a HemOnc Today Editorial Board member, discussed the potential role of injectable immunotherapies and how they could change the tumor microenvironment in advanced melanoma at HemOnc Today Melanoma and Cutaneous Malignancies.
Andtbacka specifically reviewed combination studies of talimogene laherparepvec (Imlygic, Amgen), also known as T-VEC, in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy, Bristol-Myers Squibb) as well as in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda, Merck).
“We discussed how combining these therapies increases the response rate in patients without increasing the toxicity,” Andtbacka said.
The data are preliminary but “encouraging,” Andtbacka said.
“We will have more data on this over the next year, but I think this is a step we hope will change the whole treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma,” Andtbacka said.
Disclosures: Andtbacka reports honoraria from Amgen.