Immuno-oncology approaches in uveal melanoma: tebentafusp and beyond

Immunooncol Technol. 2023 Jun 8:19:100386. doi: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100386. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common ocular malignancy in adults, associated with the poorest prognosis, with metastatic disease occurring in up to 50% of patients. In contrast to metastatic cutaneous melanoma, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with poor outcomes in metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM). Tebentafusp, a bispecific molecule, has recently become the first treatment in decades to improve overall survival for mUM. This review summarises the existing and emerging immuno-oncology approaches for the treatment of mUM, and biomarkers of response and resistance to the same. Finally, we propose future research directions that could maximise treatment benefit to a wider pool of patients with UM.

Keywords: biomarkers; bispecific molecule; immunotherapy; metastatic uveal melanoma; tebentafusp.

Publication types

  • Review