Study Identifies Combination Therapy for Melanoma Brain Metastases

Results from the open-label, phase II CheckMate 204 study show that combined immunotherapy with the two checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and ipilimumab led to a 57% clinical benefit (primary endpoint; defined as complete response [CR], partial response [PR], or stable disease for at least 6 months) in patients with asymptomatic, untreated melanoma metastases to the brain. 

The study enrolled patients with melanoma who had at least one measurable, non-irradiated asymptomatic brain metastasis measuring 0.5 to 3 cm in diameter.  

Editorial: Immunotherapy for Melanoma Metastatic to the Brain https://t.co/5IGY22Sglb pic.twitter.com/iKTjihpZ13

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Patients received nivolumab 1 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks for up to four doses, followed by nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks until progression or unacceptable adverse events (AEs). 

Twenty-six percent of patients had a CR, 30% had a PR, and 2% had stable disease for at least 6 months. 

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Treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 55% of patients, the most common of which was increased alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase. 

Nineteen patients (20%) discontinued treatment because of grade 3/4 AEs.  

A simple blood test can detect melanoma. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a combination therapy for melanoma. 

Source: New England Journal of Medicine