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Next-Generation Immunotherapy Approaches in Melanoma

  • Melanoma (RJ Sullivan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

For patients with metastatic melanoma, immune checkpoint inhibition has drastically changed outcomes. Here, we review the current and next generations of immune-based anti-cancer therapeutics for patients with metastatic melanoma.

Recent Findings

The need for new anti-cancer therapeutics in patients with metastatic melanoma who have progression of disease despite immune checkpoint blockade is evident. Several novel agents are expected to have FDA approval within the next few years, as they have yielded impressive responses. Despite these optimistic agents, the field of immuno-oncology continues to expand and produce agents with novel mechanisms of action.

Summary

The next generation of immunotherapy is based upon years of thoroughly researched immuno-oncology. Many of these agents are currently being evaluated in early phase clinical trials, and much of the preliminary data looks promising.

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Funding

JJL acknowledges Department of Defense Career Development Award (W81XWH-17-1-0265), the Sy Holzer Endowed Immunotherapy Research Award, and the Hillman Fellowship for Innovative Cancer Research.

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  1. Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Tyler Buchanan, Afsaneh Amouzegar & Jason J. Luke

  2. Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC, 5150 Centre Ave. Room 564, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA

    Jason J. Luke

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JJL declares Scientific Advisory Board: (no stock) 7 Hills, Spring bank (stock) Actym, Alphamab Oncology, Arch Oncology, Kanaph, Mavu, Onc.AI, Pyxis, Tempest. Consultancy with compensation: Abbvie, Array, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Checkmate, Cstone, Eisai, EMD Serono, KSQ, Janssen, Merck, Mersana, Nektar, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Ribon, Rubius, Silicon, Tesaro, TRex, Werewolf, Xilio, Xencor. Research support: (all to institution for clinical trials unless noted) AbbVie, Agios (IIT), Array (IIT), Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb (IIT & industry), Corvus, EMD Serono, Immatics, Incyte, Kadmon, Macrogenics, Merck, Moderna, Nektar, Numab, Replimmune, Rubius, Spring bank, Synlogic, Takeda, Trishula, Tizona, Xencor. Travel: Pyxis. Patents: (both provisional) Serial #15/612,657 (Cancer Immunotherapy), PCT/US18/36052 (Microbiome Biomarkers for Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Responsiveness: Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Uses Thereof). The other authors declare no disclosures or conflicts of interest.

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Buchanan, T., Amouzegar, A. & Luke, J.J. Next-Generation Immunotherapy Approaches in Melanoma. Curr Oncol Rep 23, 116 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-021-01104-z

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