Ipilimumab in advanced melanoma (via PubMed) by: Farolfi, Ridolfi, Guidoboni, et al.
"Ipilimumab, an anticytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 antibody...has shown promise. In this report, advanced melanoma patients receiving [ipi] were scored according to a novel immune-related response criteria (irRC) in an attempt to capture additional response patterns and to avoid premature treatment cessation. Thirty-six heavily pretreated metastatic melanoma patients received [ipi] within 5 international trials at our institution [Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital in Italy] from May 2006 to August 2008. Disease progression was defined as an increase in tumor burden by at least 25% compared with the nadir, irrespective of any initial increase in baseline or the appearance of new lesions. We report unusually long-lasting responses in patients treated with [ipi] 10mg/kg. An overall response was observed in 6 of 30 patients (20%), a complete response in 3 (10%), and disease control in 11 (37%), which seemed to be of a long duration (median of 16 months; complete response 36+, 34+, and 41+ months).....Interestingly, we found a correlation between the presence of a grade 3/4 immune-related adverse event and response, time to progression, and overall survival."
So....bottom line....ipi is working pretty well, and the worse your problems with immune related side effects, the better your response. Biggest news here....is trying to get a new evaluation system accepted since ipi works slowly and patients may demonstrate some "progression" and even new lesions initially, that diminish in time. Meaning....docs and research institutions and those that fund such things...should not stop ipi because of that initial finding. GIVE IT TIME!!!! So, there you have it....thanks to the docs in Italy and the Brentster!
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Yes! It's not easy, but patience is a big requirement -- for the funding people, for the doctors and for the patients! Same for anti PD1...
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