Clinical features and response to systemic therapy in NRAS-mutant Chinese melanoma patients

Jiuhong Wang1,2, Hang Jiang1,3,4, Fuxue Huang1,5

  • 1Biotherapy Center, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.

Abstract

Insights

Combined immunotherapy improved progression-free survival and response rates in NRAS-mutant melanoma patients. This PD-1 inhibitor-based therapy offers clinical benefit for advanced disease, though overall survival was not prolonged.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • NRAS-mutant melanoma historically has a poor prognosis.
  • Immunotherapy and targeted therapies have transformed melanoma treatment.
  • Real-world data on advanced NRAS-mutant melanoma treatments are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the real-world effectiveness of systematic treatments for NRAS-mutant melanoma.
  • To analyze the impact of combined immunotherapy and targeted therapy in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 44 NRAS-mutant melanoma patients treated at SYSUCC (Jan 2018-July 2022).
  • Patients had metastatic or unresectable disease.
  • Data on clinical features and treatment outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Immunotherapy-based combined treatment significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR).
  • Combined therapy showed higher disease control rates (DCR) compared to single-agent treatments.
  • Nab-paclitaxel or TKI combined with anti-PD-1 inhibitor showed promise, particularly for acral melanoma, but did not extend overall survival (OS).
  • Combined therapies were generally well-tolerated with manageable adverse events.

Conclusions:

  • PD-1 inhibitor-based combined therapy enhances clinical benefit for advanced NRAS-mutant melanoma.
  • This approach improves PFS and ORR in patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma.
  • Further research may explore optimizing combined strategies for improved overall survival.