Melanoma patient response to nivolumab treatment for metastatic lung lesions: Multi-OMICS analysis in Project HOPE
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Yoshio Kiyohara1, Shusuke Yoshikawa1, Masaki Otsuka1
1Division of Dermatology, Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
A 70-year-old woman was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma of the occipital skin which was resected; however, multiple lung metastases were detected. Nivolumab therapy was initiated and partial response was obtained. However, the patient was diagnosed with grade 2 interstitial pneumonitis. Prednisolone administration was initiated and the interstitial pneumonitis shadow disappeared. However, then a right rib metastasis was noticed and given radiation therapy. After progressive disease was obtained, the metastatic lesion was resected, and no relapse occurred until skeletal muscle metastasis was found. According to whole-exome sequencing and gene expression profiling, the rib and skeletal muscle metastatic lesions showed an upregulated expression of programmed death-ligand 1 mRNA and a high single-nucleotide variant (SNV) number. The current melanoma case is representative of a patient who responded to nivolumab therapy, and showed typical immunological markers for responders such as high PD-L1 expression and high SNV.
Insights
This case study highlights a melanoma patient who responded to nivolumab therapy. Immunological markers like high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and high single-nucleotide variant (SNV) number were observed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Dermatology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma can metastasize to distant organs.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab offer treatment options for advanced melanoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of malignant melanoma treated with nivolumab.
- To investigate the immunological markers associated with treatment response and resistance.
Main Methods:
- Whole-exome sequencing and gene expression profiling were performed on metastatic lesions.
- Clinical data including treatment response and adverse events were recorded.
Main Results:
- The patient initially responded to nivolumab but developed interstitial pneumonitis, managed with prednisolone.
- Metastatic lesions showed upregulated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) mRNA and a high single-nucleotide variant (SNV) count.
- The patient experienced disease progression, necessitating further interventions.
Conclusions:
- High PD-L1 expression and high SNV number may indicate potential response to nivolumab in melanoma.
- Melanoma treatment can involve complex management of immune-related adverse events and disease progression.
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