Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
06:19
Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 18, 2017
10.4K
Pathological response and survival with neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma: a pooled analysis from the International
Alexander M Menzies1,2,3, Rodabe N Amaria4, Elisa A Rozeman5
1Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Nature Medicine
|February 9, 2021
Summary
Pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma significantly improves recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Immunotherapy showed higher pCR rates and better survival outcomes compared to targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Melanoma Research
Background:
- The prognostic value of pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma is not well-established.
- Understanding the impact of different neoadjuvant treatments on survival outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pathological response and survival outcomes (RFS and OS) following neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma.
- To compare the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy versus BRAF/MEK targeted therapy in achieving pathological response and improving survival.
Main Methods:
- Pooled analysis of data from six clinical trials involving 192 melanoma patients.
- Patients received either anti-PD-1 based immunotherapy (combination or monotherapy) or BRAF/MEK targeted therapy.
- Pathological response, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed.
Main Results:
- A pathological complete response (pCR) was observed in 40% of patients, with higher rates in targeted therapy (47%) versus immunotherapy (33%).
- pCR strongly correlated with improved RFS (89% vs 50% at 2 years) and OS (95% vs 83% at 2 years).
- Immunotherapy demonstrated superior survival outcomes, especially in patients achieving pCR, compared to targeted therapy.
Conclusions:
- Pathological response is a significant predictor of improved RFS and OS in melanoma patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy.
- Anti-PD-1 based immunotherapy appears more effective than targeted therapy in achieving pathological response and long-term survival.
- Pathological response should be considered a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials for melanoma neoadjuvant therapies.
