Sequencing of Immunotherapy in Melanoma

During this segment, Richard W. Joseph, MD, discusses the recent approval of the oncolytic agents pembrolizumab and nivolumab for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and his expectations for a combination agent of ipilimumab and nivolumab that is currently pending approval.

Dr Joseph explains that even with a higher level of toxicity, this new combination therapy option is likely to become a front-line treatment option because its benefits are likely to outweigh its risks. However, there may still be certain patients who are not appropriate candidates for combination therapy, he remarks.

“What’s going to be interesting is how to place these [single-agent therapies vs combination therapy] in the right order,” says Dr Joseph.

To help determine the proper sequence of therapy, additional clinical studies and collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network will be important, he advises.