Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine
Published on: February 24, 2023
Immunotherapy in a rare case of primary pelvic retroperitoneal melanoma
Maria Monica Talag1, Mohamed Alsharedi2, Nadim Bou Zgheib2
1St. George's, University of London, London, UK Joan C Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA.
Abstract:
Recent advances in novel immunotherapeutic and targeted therapeutic agents have increased treatment options in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. However, evidence in the literature on whether or not extracutaneous melanoma will acquire an equivalent advantage from these therapies is very scarce. In general, extracutaneous melanomas are rare and aggressive melanomas, which are clinically and biologically unique, with higher incidence of metastatic disease and poor prognosis. In this case report, we present a very rare case of a 54-year-old woman with primary pelvic retroperitoneal melanoma treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody, pembrolizumab. Furthermore, we explore the role of novel immunotherapies in the treatment of advanced melanoma.
Insights
Extracutaneous melanoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, is poorly understood. This case report details successful treatment of a pelvic retroperitoneal melanoma with pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Dermatology
Background:
- Advanced metastatic melanoma treatment options have expanded with novel immunotherapeutic and targeted agents.
- Extracutaneous melanomas are rare, aggressive, and poorly understood, with limited evidence regarding their response to new therapies.
- These tumors present unique clinical and biological characteristics, often with a higher incidence of metastatic disease and poorer prognosis.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of a 54-year-old woman diagnosed with primary pelvic retroperitoneal melanoma.
- The patient was treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody, specifically pembrolizumab.
- The case highlights a unique presentation of extracutaneous melanoma.
Findings:
- The patient with advanced pelvic retroperitoneal melanoma showed a positive response to pembrolizumab treatment.
- This suggests that novel immunotherapies may be effective in treating rare extracutaneous melanoma.
- The case provides valuable data on the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in a non-cutaneous melanoma.
Implications:
- Novel immunotherapies, such as anti-PD-1 antibodies, show promise for treating advanced extracutaneous melanomas.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role and efficacy of these agents in rare melanoma subtypes.
- This case contributes to the limited literature on advanced extracutaneous melanoma treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
09:52Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma
Published on: January 25, 2015
11:02Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development
Published on: October 30, 2013
