Risk Factors for Relapse after Intentional Discontinuation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Melanoma Patients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunotherapy
• Melanoma Research

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revolutionized melanoma treatment, enabling therapy discontinuation after remission.
• However, some patients relapse after stopping ICIs and may resist re-treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors for relapse after intentional discontinuation of ICI therapy in melanoma patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 87 metastatic or unresectable melanoma patients from 5 German university hospitals.
• Data collected included clinicopathologic and follow-up information.
• Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Partial remission and stable disease were associated with decreased progression-free survival compared to complete remission.
• Concurrent radiotherapy and ICI treatment emerged as an independent risk factor for reduced progression-free survival after ICI cessation.
• Brain metastases did not show statistical significance in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

• Melanoma patients achieving partial remission or stable disease after ICI therapy face a higher risk of relapse upon discontinuation.
• Concurrent radiotherapy with ICIs is a significant risk factor for poorer outcomes after stopping treatment.
• Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies and manage relapse risk in melanoma patients treated with ICIs.