Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (Aug 2017)

A new frontier in treatment of advanced melanoma: Redefining clinical management in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors

  • Oren Levine,
  • Tahira Devji,
  • Feng Xie

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2017.1322241
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 8
pp. 1765 – 1767

Abstract

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Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized treatment of advanced cutaneous melanoma. This group of novel therapeutic agents differs from other systemic treatments and has necessitated a new approach for several fundamental aspects of clinical practice in oncology. Marked differences in outcomes associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors compared with other systemic therapies has required a new paradigm for prognostication in the setting of advanced melanoma. Distinct patterns of tumor response have required new norms for disease monitoring. A unique spectrum of toxicity is associated with use of immune checkpoint inhibitors which can be severe and refractory. Patients and clinicians must be informed regarding immune-related adverse events, yet in the published literature, there is substantial variability in reporting. As immune checkpoint inhibitors gain a prominent role in cancer treatment, standardization of adverse event reporting will be vital to ensure validity of evidence and to promote safe clinical practice.

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