In a nutshell
This review investigated the effectiveness of PD-1 agents in the treatment of melanoma. Researchers suggested that treatment with these agents is associated with improved cancer outcomes.
Some background
The best treatment for melanoma remains to be determined, however surgery may be associated with a high cure rate. Patients with more advanced melanoma may need additional treatment. PD-1 agents help the immune system to attack and kill cancer cells and have been shown to be associated with better cancer outcomes.
This reviewed studied further the effectiveness and safety of PD-1 agents to treat melanoma.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed 5 other studies that included 2,828 patients.
In patients with previously untreated or progressive melanoma who received treatment with PD-1 agents had a 45% improvement in the odds of a better 6 month progression-free survival (time from treatment to cancer progression). These patients also had a 3.89 times better overall tumor response.
Patients treated with the PD-1 agent nivolumab (Opdivo) had a 26% improvement in the odds of having fewer negative side effects than those treated with other agents.
The bottom line
This study suggested that the use of PD-1 agents in the treatment of melanoma improves the cancer outcomes with manageable side effects.
The fine print
The patients evaluated in this study presented with different stages of disease which may have influenced the PD-1 agents effectiveness.
What’s next?
Talk to your physician about being treated with PD-1 agents.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Aug 02, 2016
