Predictive factors of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma

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
• lymph nodes
• immune therapy
• neoadjuvant

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

Georgia Beasley has clinical trial funding from Istari Oncology, Delcath, Oncosec Medical, Replimune, and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals paid to Duke University. April Salama has research funding paid to the institution from Bristol Myers Squibb, Immunocore, Merck, Pfizer Advisory roles: Georgia Beasley served on an advisory board for Regeneron and Cardinal Health. April Salama has served on advisory boards for Array, Novartis, Iovance, and Regeneron. M Brown is an inventor of intellectual property licensed to Istari Oncology, Inc.

Additional information

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.