4 year survival rates for patients with metastatic melanoma who received ipilimumab...

...in Phase II clinical trials.
By: Wolchok, Weber, Maio, Neyns, Harmankaya, Chin, Cykowski, de Pril, Humphrey, Lebbe'
Ann Oncol. 2013 May 10 [Epub ahead of print].  Source:  Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Abstract synopsis:  This analysis was carried out to evaluate long term survival of patients with metastatic melanoma who received ipilimumab (ipi), a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 in clinical trials.

Patients were given ipi in one of three completed Phase II trials.  Previously treated patients as well as those who were treatment naive were included.  Patients were given ipi at a dose of 10mg/kg in 2 studies and at doses of 0.3, 3, or 10mg/kg in another. Ipi was given every 3 weeks for 4 doses, eligible patients could receive ipi maintenance therapy every 12 weeks. In one study, patients could cross over to be retreated with ipi at 10mg/kg upon disease progression.  Ongoing survival follow-up is being conducted in a companion study.

RESULTS:  Four year survival rates for previously treated patients who were given ipi at 0.3, 3, or 10mg/kg = 13.8%, 18.2%, and 19.7% - 28.4%  respectively.  In treatment naive patients, who were given ipi at 10mg/kg, 4-year survival rates were 37.7% - 49.5%.

CONCLUSIONS:  These results demonstrate durable survival in a significant proportion of patients with metastatic melanoma who received ipi.

MY TAKE:  Not bad for melanoma world, in which average survival for an untreated patient with metastatic melanoma is roughly 6 months.  Ipi is a legitimate treatment option for many patients and these data clearly show that treatment naive patients respond much better, as do those with a dosing level of 10mg/kg.

Keep on hanging on - c