Immunotherapy for Melanoma: A Concise Clinical Review for Australasian Practice

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Immunotherapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment, offering improved survival and durable responses.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 are key agents.
• ICI use is standard in Australia and New Zealand for high-risk, unresectable, and metastatic melanoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current immunotherapy approaches for melanoma in Australian clinical practice.
• To detail mechanisms, indications, agents, and outcomes of melanoma immunotherapy.
• To discuss immune-related adverse events and emerging therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current immunotherapy practices in Australia and New Zealand.
• Focus on routine clinical application across melanoma disease stages.
• Inclusion of mechanisms, benefits, limitations, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• Immunotherapy is integral to melanoma management from neoadjuvant to metastatic settings.
• Durable responses and improved survival are observed with ICIs.
• Understanding and managing immune-related adverse events, especially cutaneous toxicities, is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Immunotherapy, particularly ICIs, represents a cornerstone in modern melanoma care.
• Routine use in Australia and New Zealand is supported by regulatory and funding frameworks.
• Multidisciplinary care, involving dermatologists, is essential for optimal patient outcomes.