Predictive factors of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2022 May 31;18(3):1943987. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1943987. Epub 2021 Jul 13.

Abstract

This review describes the current body of literature and ongoing clinical trials examining neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) for patients with resectable stage III and IV melanoma. Based on prior success in treating metastatic melanoma and as adjuvant therapy, ICIs are being explored in the neoadjuvant setting. There have been initial trials and there are many ongoing trials examining neoadjuvant ICI. Herein, we will review the clinical feasibility and efficacy of various neoadjuvant ICI regimens, explore pathologic and cellular responses, and present factors associated with predictive tumor response.

Keywords: Melanoma; immune therapy; lymph nodes; neoadjuvant.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Melanoma* / drug therapy
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Grants and funding

Dr. April Salama receives research funding (paid to institution) from Bristol Myers Squibb, Immunocore, Merck, and has served as a consultant/advisory board member for Pfizer, Novartis, Iovance and Regeneron.