Neoadjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of immunotherapy, especially checkpoint blockade inhibitors, in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. More recently, improvements in survival have been reported in patients with high-risk resectable melanoma when these agents are used in the adjuvant setting. Increasing interest in neoadjuvant immunotherapy for high-risk resectable melanoma has been fueled by early reports of significant efficacy. We review the rationale and data behind utilizing neoadjuvant immunotherapy.