Clinical experience with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg in patients with melanoma treated at Italian centres as part of a European expanded access programme

Analysis of immune-related adverse events in gastrointestinal malignancy patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are becoming an increasingly common treatment for advanced gastrointestinal cancer, but the possibility of immune-related adverse events has raised concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the risks of immune-related adverse events between patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors and those who received chemotherapy among different types of gastrointestinal cancer. The study utilized data from the multicenter TriNetX database in the United States covering the period between 2015 and 2022. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to describe the relative hazard of immune-related adverse events based on comparing time-to-event rates. Our study revealed that the incidence of immune-related adverse events was significantly higher in patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy compared to those who received chemotherapy only in treating gastrointestinal cancer. CTLA-4 inhibitors tended to have a higher rate of immune-related adverse events compared to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Our study found a lower mortality rate among patients who developed immune-related adverse events compared to those who did not after propensity score matching (HR, 0.661; 95% CI 0.620-0.704; p < .01). We provide important real-world data on the incidence and impact of immune-related adverse events in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our study's results support clinicians in making informed decisions about the potential benefits and risks of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Radiotherapy and immunotherapy in melanoma brain metastases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) generally portends a dismal prognosis. Simultaneous use of radiotherapy (RT) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy demonstrated tremendous promise and emerged as the new standard. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate survival outcomes and toxicities of this combination in patients with MBM. Data analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2) and IBM SPSS software (version 27).

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (via Wiley) was conducted using PICOS/PRISMA selection protocol and included studies to evaluate survival and safety-associated outcomes of ICI + RT for the treatment of MBM.

RESULTS

A total 44 studies involving 2498 patients were reviewed. The pooled effect size (ES) for overall survival (OS) to compare the ICI + RT arm and ICI alone arm (HR: 0.693 [0.526-0.913, p = .001]), and compare the ICI + RT arm and brain RT alone (HR: 0.595 [0.489-0.723, p < .001)] indicated better survival outcomes in ICI + RT versus RT alone and ICI alone arms. Comparing central nervous system toxicity in the ICI + RT arm and RT alone arm, the pooled ES Grade ≥ 3 neurologic adverse events (NAEs) risk ratio ([RR] = 1.425; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.485-4.183; p = .519) indicated that ICI + RT nonsignificantly increased Grade 3-4 NAEs. Comparing Grade ≥ 3 radiation necrosis in the ICI + RT arm and RT alone arm, the pooled ES RR (RR = 2.73; 95% CI: 0.59-12.59; p = .199) indicated that ICI + RT nonsignificantly increased Grade ≥ 3 radiation necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent administration of RT and ICI evinced favorable OS outcomes and acceptable safety profile in MBM patients. Planned prospective trials are required to demonstrate the issue.

Prevalence of dermatological toxicities in patients with melanoma undergoing immunotherapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized advanced melanoma care; however, their cutaneous side effects have not been definitively elucidated.

Objective

To identify the prevalence of cutaneous toxicity in patients with melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors as monotherapy and/or in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Materials and methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, which encompassed both clinical trials and observational studies describing the dermatological toxicities in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review under the number CRD42018091915. The searches were performed using the CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS, LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated with the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data

Results

A total of 9,802 articles were identified in the databases. The final sample comprised 39 studies. The evaluated drugs were ipilimumab, tremelimumab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab. The results suggest that the most prevalent side effect was grade 1 and 2 pruritus (24%), followed by grade 1 and 2 rash (21%) and grade 1 and 2 vitiligo (10%).

Conclusion

The most prevalent side effects in patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors are pruritus, rash, and vitiligo, and they are rated mostly as grades 1 and 2 adverse events. Remarkably, vitiligo is most commonly found in patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors.

The Current Status of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Neuro-Oncology: A Systematic Review

The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), as a novel treatment modality, has transformed the field of oncology with unprecedented successes. However, the efficacy of ICI for patients with glioblastoma or brain metastases (BMs) from any tumor type is under debate. Therefore, we systematically reviewed current literature on the use of ICI in patients with glioblastoma and BMs. Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating the efficacy and survival outcomes of ICI in patients with glioblastoma or BMs, and published between 2006 and November 2019, were considered. A total of 88 studies were identified (n = 8 in glioblastoma and n = 80 in BMs). In glioblastoma, median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of all studies were 2.1 and 7.3 months, respectively. In patients with BMs, intracranial responses have been reported in studies with melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The median intracranial and total PFS in these studies were 2.7 and 3.0 months, respectively. The median OS in all studies for patients with brain BMs was 8.0 months. To date, ICI demonstrate limited efficacy in patients with glioblastoma or BMs. Future research should focus on increasing the local and systemic immunological responses in these patients.

Long-term follow up of metastatic melanoma patients treated with Thymosin alpha-1: investigating immune checkpoints synergy

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint blockade antibodies (imAbs), such as the anti Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) ipilimumab (IPI) raised overall survival (OS) in metastatic melanoma (MM). Further, long-term OS is a crucial endpoint in MM. Thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) with dacarbazine (DTIC) showed activity in a phase II trial and a compassionate use program (EAP). We report on long-term follow-up of patients treated with Tα1 to investigate the preconditioning role of Tα1 in imAbs-treated patients.

METHODS

Records of patients with melanoma treated with Tα1 within a phase II trial and EAP program were reviewed comparing median OS among patients that sequentially received anti-CTLA-4 imAb and Tα1. Further, the effect of Tα1 on IPI long-term survivor patients was investigated.

RESULTS

Among patients treated with Tα1, 21/61 patients received sequentially even anti CTLA-4 imAbs. Median OS at the data cut-off was 57.8 and 7.4 months in patients treated sequentially with anti-CTLA-4 imAbs or not, respectively. Moreover, pretreatment with Tα1 in all (95) IPI-evaluable patients confirmed a significant increase in long-term OS.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on long-term follow-up of Tα1-treated patients. Moreover, an advantage in OS in patients sequentially treated with Tα1 and IPI was seen that suggests a synergistic effect.

Ipilimumab in Pretreated Patients With Advanced Malignant Melanoma: Results of the South African Expanded-Access Program

Purpose

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate 1- and 2-year survival rates and durable remissions in pretreated patients with advanced (unresectable or metastatic) malignant melanoma treated with ipilimumab in a South African expanded-access program (SA-EAP).

Patients and Methods

This multicenter, retrospective study obtained data from pretreated patients with advanced malignant melanoma who were eligible for the ipilimumab SA-EAP. Ipilimumab was administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for four cycles to adults with advanced melanoma for whom at least one line of treatment for metastatic disease had failed. Data from the medical records of 108 patients treated within the SA-EAP were collected and statistically analyzed to determine overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) at 1 and 2 years.

Results

In the population of 108 patients, a median OS of 8.98 months (95% CI, 7.47 to 10.79 months) was observed. One-year OS was 36% (95% CI, 26% to 45%), and 2-year survival was observed as 20% (95% CI, 12% to 27%). The median survival without progression (ie, PFS) was 3.44 months (95% CI, 2.98 to 4.16 months), and 1- and 2-year PFS were 22% (95% CI, 14% to 29%) and 14% (95% CI, 8% to 21%), respectively. The longest recorded survival was 3.4 years. No independent prognostic variables were identified to predict for OS by multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

Conclusion

In this multicenter South African setting, ipilimumab at a dose of 3 mg/kg was an effective treatment with long-term OS in a subset of patients with pretreated advanced malignant melanoma.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Review and Management of Endocrine Adverse Events

: In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as effective therapies for advanced neoplasias. As new checkpoint target blockers become available and additional tumor locations tested, their use is expected to increase within a short time. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) affecting the endocrine system are among the most frequent and complex toxicities. Some may be life-threatening if not recognized; hence, appropriate guidance for oncologists is needed. Despite their high incidence, endocrine irAEs have not been fully described for all immunotherapy agents available. This article is a narrative review of endocrinopathies associated with cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, blockade of programmed death receptor 1 and its ligand inhibitors, and their combination. Thyroid dysfunction is the most frequent irAE reported, and hypophysitis is characteristic of ipilimumab. Incidence, timing patterns, and clinical presentation are discussed, and practical recommendations for clinical management are suggested. Heterogeneous terminology and lack of appropriate resolution criteria in clinical trials make adequate evaluation of endocrine AEs difficult. It is necessary to standardize definitions to contrast incidences and characterize toxicity patterns. To provide optimal care, a multidisciplinary team that includes endocrinology specialists is recommended.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are already part of oncologists' therapeutic arsenal as effective therapies for otherwise untreatable neoplasias, such as metastatic melanoma or lung cancer. Their use is expected to increase exponentially in the near future as additional agents become available and their approval is extended to different tumor types. Adverse events affecting the endocrine system are among the most frequent and complex toxicities oncologists may face, and some may be life-threatening if not recognized. This study reviews endocrinopathies associated to immune checkpoint inhibitors available to date. Incidence, timing patterns, and clinical presentation are discussed, and practical recommendations for management are proposed.

Survival of patients with metastatic melanoma and brain metastases in the era of MAP-kinase inhibitors and immunologic checkpoint blockade antibodies: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The incidence of brain metastases (BM) in melanoma patients is common and associated with poor prognosis. MAP-kinase inhibitors and immunologic checkpoint blockade antibodies led to improved survival of metastatic melanoma patients; however, patients with BM are under-represented or excluded from the majority of clinical trials and the impact of new drugs on their survival is less clear. With the present systematic review, we aimed to analyze outcomes of patients with melanoma BM treated with the new drugs, both in the setting of phase I-II-III clinical trials and in the "real world".

METHODS

An electronic search was performed to identify studies reporting survival outcomes of patients with melanoma BM treated with MAP-kinase inhibitors and/or immunologic checkpoint blockade antibodies, regardless of study design.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included for a total of 2153 patients. Median OS was 7.9 months in phase I-II-III trials and 7.7 months in "real world" studies. In clinical trials, median OS was 7.0 months for patients treated with immunotherapy and 7.9 months for patients treated with BRAF inhibitors. In "real world" studies, median OS was 4.3 months and 7.7 months for patients treated with immunotherapy and BRAF inhibitors, respectively. Evidence of clinical activity exists for both immunotherapy and MAP-kinase inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

MAP-kinase inhibitors and immunologic checkpoint blockade antibodies have clinical activity and may achieve improved OS in patients with metastatic melanoma and BM. These results support the inclusion of patients with BM in investigations of new agents and new treatment regimens for metastatic melanoma.

The Efficacy and Safety of Programmed Cell Death 1 and Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand Inhibitors for Advanced Melanoma: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials Following the PRISMA Guidelines

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) inhibitors using a meta-analysis of present trials for advanced melanoma. A fully recursive literature search of the primary electronic databases for available trials was performed. The objective response rate (ORR) and the median progression-free survival (PFS) of clinical responses were considered the main endpoints to evaluate the efficacy, whereas Grade 3-4 adverse effects (AEs) were analyzed to evaluate safety. The ORR of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors was 30% (95% CI: 25-35%). No significant difference in the ORR was observed after the comparisons of low-dose, median-dose, and high-dose cohorts. In addition, the rate of Grade 3-4 AEs was 9% (95% CI: 6-12%). According to the 3 randomized controlled trials that compared PD-1 inhibitors with chemotherapy, the difference between these 2 groups was found to be statistically significant with respect to the ORR, PFS and the incidence of Grade 3-4 AEs; that is, the relative risk (RR) of the ORR was 3.42 (95% CI: 2.49-4.69, P < 0.001), the hazard ratio (HR) of the PFS was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.44-0.58, P < 0.001), and the RR of Grade 3-4 AEs was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.31-0.65, P < 0.001). According to a meta-analysis of limited concurrent studies, PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors appear to be associated with improved response rates, superior response durability and tolerable toxicity in patients with advanced melanoma.

Ipilimumab in the real world: the UK expanded access programme experience in previously treated advanced melanoma patients

Before licensing, ipilimumab was first made available to previously treated advanced melanoma patients through an expanded access programme (EAP) across Europe. We interrogated data from UK EAP patients to inform future clinical practice. Clinicians registered in the UK EAP provided anonymized patient data using a prespecified variable fields datasheet. Data collected were baseline patient characteristics, treatment delivered, toxicity, response, progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). Data were received for 193 previously treated metastatic melanoma patients, whose primary sites were cutaneous (82%), uveal (8%), mucosal (2%), acral (3%) or unknown (5%). At baseline, 88% of patients had a performance status (PS) of 0-1 and 20% had brain metastases. Of the patients, 53% received all four planned cycles of ipilimumab; the most common reason for stopping early was disease progression, including death from melanoma. Toxicity was recorded for 171 patients, 30% of whom experienced an adverse event of grade 3 or higher, the most common being diarrhoea (13%) and fatigue (9%). At a median follow-up of 23 months, the median progression-free survival and OS were 2.8 and 6.1 months, respectively; the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 31 and 14.8%, respectively. The 2-year OS was significantly lower for patients with poorer PS (P<0.0001), low albumin concentrations (P<0.0001), the presence of brain metastases (P=0.007) and lactate dehydrogenase levels more than two times the upper limit of normal (P<0.0001) at baseline. These baseline characteristics are negative predictors of benefit from ipilimumab and should be taken into consideration before prescription.

Ipilimumab-induced encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion

Ipilimumab, an anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 monoclonal antibody, is a first-line therapy for stage IV melanoma. Although high-grade immune-related adverse events occur in 25% of patients receiving ipilimumab, serious neurologic toxicity, primarily consisting of transient sensory and motor neuropathies, affects less than 1% of patients. We present a case report of a patient with melanoma who received high-dose ipilimumab at 10 mg/kg as first-line therapy for metastatic disease. After the third dose, the patient developed "mild" encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) of the corpus callosum by MRI and neurogenic bladder, two novel immune-related adverse events during checkpoint inhibition. In addition to headache, delirium, and altered consciousness commonly seen with MERS, the patient also developed tremor, gait instability, paresthesias, and neurogenic bladder. The latter two symptoms were thought to represent sensory and autonomic neuropathies, respectively. The syndrome gradually resolved following intravenous methylprednisolone at 2 mg/kg divided twice daily for 5 days and a slow taper of oral prednisone over 8 weeks.

BAP31, a promising target for the immunotherapy of malignant melanomas

PURPOSE

Malignant melanoma's (MM) incidence is rising faster than that of any other cancer in the US and the overall survival at 5 years is less than 10%. B cell associated protein 31 (BAP31) is overexpressed in most MMs and might be a promising target for immunotherapy of this disease.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Firstly, we investigated the expression profiles of human BAP31 (hBAP31) and mouse BAP31 (mBAP31) in human and mouse normal tissues, respectively. The expression level of hBAP31 in human MMs and mBAP31 in B16 melanoma cells was also analyzed. Then we constructed novel mBAP31 DNA vaccines and tested there ability to stimulate mBAP31-specific immune responses and antitumor immunity in B16 melanoma-bearing mice.

RESULTS

For the first time, we found that protein expression of hBAP31 were dramatically upregulated in human MMs when compared with human normal tissues. Predominant protein expression of mBAP31 was found in mouse B16 melanoma cells but not in mouse important organs. When mice were immunized with mBAP31 DNA vaccines, strong cellular response to mBAP31 was observed in the vaccinated mice. CTLs isolated from immunized mice could effectively kill mBAP31-positive target mouse B16 melanoma tumor cells in vitro and vaccination with mBAP31 DNA vaccines had potent anti-tumor activity in therapeutic model using B16 melanoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These are the first data supporting a vaccine targeting BAP31 that is capable of inducing effective immunity against BAP31-expressing MMs and will be applicable to human MMs and hBAP31 DNA vaccine warrants investigation in human clinical trials.

Trial Watch: Immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies for oncological indications

Immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) differ from their tumor-targeting counterparts because they exert therapeutic effects by directly interacting with soluble or (most often) cellular components of the immune system. Besides holding promise for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, immunomodulatory mAbs have recently been shown to constitute a potent therapeutic weapon against neoplastic conditions. One class of immunomodulatory mAbs operates by inhibiting safeguard systems that are frequently harnessed by cancer cells to establish immunological tolerance, the so-called "immune checkpoints." No less than 3 checkpoint-blocking mAbs have been approved worldwide for use in oncological indications, 2 of which during the past 12 months. These molecules not only mediate single-agent clinical activity in patients affected by specific neoplasms, but also significantly boost the efficacy of several anticancer chemo-, radio- or immunotherapies. Here, we summarize recent advances in the development of checkpoint-blocking mAbs, as well as of immunomodulatory mAbs with distinct mechanisms of action.

The ipilimumab lesson in melanoma: achieving long-term survival

The anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (anti-CTLA-4) antibody ipilimumab is the first treatment that significantly improved the survival rates of metastatic melanoma patients, marking a new era in the treatment of melanoma. During its development, a hallmark of ipilimumab therapy was the extended duration of response, achieved in 20% of patients. The follow-up of patients included in phase II and phase III trials and in expanded access programs revealed that the survival rates remained stable after 3 years. These results demonstrated that ipilimumab induces an effective anti-tumor immune response persisting after the completion of treatment, and suggested a potential remission in a subset of patients. In this article we review the development of ipilimumab and highlight the long-term results. This approach emphasizes the need to optimize the use of ipilimumab in the future, by identifying the patients most likely to achieve long term survival after ipilimumab therapy, and by developing combined therapeutic approaches involving cytotoxic agents, targeted therapies or other immunotherapies to achieve durable control in a larger proportion of patients.

Effects of BRAF mutations and BRAF inhibition on immune responses to melanoma

Malignant melanoma is associated with poor clinical prognosis; however, novel molecular and immune therapies are now improving patient outcomes. Almost 50% of melanomas harbor targetable activating mutations of BRAF that promote RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway activation and melanoma proliferation. Recent evidence also indicates that melanomas bearing mutant BRAF may also have altered immune responses, suggesting additional avenues for treatment of this patient group. The small molecule inhibitors selective for mutant BRAF induce significant but short-lived clinical responses in a proportion of patients, but also lead to immune stimulatory bystander events, which then subside with the emergence of resistance to inhibition. Simultaneous BRAF and MEK inhibition, and especially combination of BRAF inhibitors with new immunotherapies such as checkpoint blockade antibodies, may further enhance immune activation, or counteract immunosuppressive signals. Preclinical evaluation and ongoing clinical trials should provide novel insights into the role of immunity in the therapy of BRAF-mutant melanoma.

Durable benefit and the potential for long-term survival with immunotherapy in advanced melanoma

Historically, the median overall survival for patients with stage IV melanoma was less than 1 year and the 5-year survival rate was ∼10%. Recent advances in therapy have raised 5-year survival expectations to ∼20%. Notably, a subset of melanoma patients who receive immunotherapy with high-dose interleukin-2, and now ipilimumab, can achieve long-term survival of at least 5 years. A major goal in melanoma research is to increase the number of patients who experience this overall survival benefit. In this review, we discuss the attributes of immunotherapy and newer targeted agents, and consider how combination strategies might improve the chances of achieving durable benefit and long-term survival. We also discuss three areas that we believe will be critical to making further advances in melanoma treatment. To better understand the clinical profile of patients who achieve long-term survival with immunotherapy, we first present data from ipilimumab clinical trials in which a subset of patients experienced durable responses. Second, we discuss the limitations of traditional metrics used to evaluate the benefits of immunotherapies. Third, we consider emerging issues that clinicians are currently facing when making treatment decisions regarding immunotherapy. A better understanding of these novel treatments may improve survival outcomes in melanoma, increase the number of patients who experience this overall survival benefit, and inform the future use of these agents in the treatment of other cancer types.