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Avino A, Ion DE, Gheoca-Mutu DE, Abu-Baker A, Țigăran AE, Peligrad T, Hariga CS, Balcangiu-Stroescu AE, Jecan CR, Tudor A, Răducu L. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Particularities of Symptomatic Melanoma Brain Metastases from Case Report to Literature Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:688. [PMID: 38611601 PMCID: PMC11011469 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent introduction of immunotherapy and targeted therapy has substantially enriched the therapeutic landscape of metastatic melanoma. However, cerebral metastases remain unrelenting entities with atypical metabolic and genetic profiles compared to extracranial metastases, requiring combined approaches with local ablative treatment to alleviate symptoms, prevent recurrence and restore patients' biological and psychological resources for fighting malignancy. This paper aims to provide the latest scientific evidence about the rationale and timing of treatment, emphasizing the complementary roles of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy in eradicating brain metastases, with a special focus on the distinct response of intracranial and extracranial disease, which are regarded as separate molecular entities. To illustrate the complexity of designing individualized therapeutic schemes, we report a case of delayed BRAF-mutant diagnosis, an aggressive forearm melanoma, in a presumed psychiatric patient whose symptoms were caused by cerebral melanoma metastases. The decision to administer molecularly targeted therapy was dictated by the urgency of diminishing the tumor burden for symptom control, due to potentially life-threatening complications caused by the flourishing of extracranial disease in locations rarely reported in living patients, further proving the necessity of multidisciplinary management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelaida Avino
- Discipline of Plastic Surgery, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.); (C.-R.J.); (L.R.)
- Doctoral School, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (D.-E.G.-M.); (A.-E.Ț.); (T.P.)
| | - Daniela-Elena Ion
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (D.-E.G.-M.); (A.-E.Ț.); (T.P.)
| | - Daniela-Elena Gheoca-Mutu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (D.-E.G.-M.); (A.-E.Ț.); (T.P.)
- Discipline of Anatomy, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Abdalah Abu-Baker
- Doctoral School, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (D.-E.G.-M.); (A.-E.Ț.); (T.P.)
| | - Andrada-Elena Țigăran
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (D.-E.G.-M.); (A.-E.Ț.); (T.P.)
| | - Teodora Peligrad
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (D.-E.G.-M.); (A.-E.Ț.); (T.P.)
| | - Cristian-Sorin Hariga
- Discipline of Plastic Surgery, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.); (C.-R.J.); (L.R.)
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andra-Elena Balcangiu-Stroescu
- Discipline of Physiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian-Radu Jecan
- Discipline of Plastic Surgery, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.); (C.-R.J.); (L.R.)
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (D.-E.G.-M.); (A.-E.Ț.); (T.P.)
| | - Adrian Tudor
- Discipline of Anatomy and Embriology, University of Medicine, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade”, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of General Surgery I, Targu Mures Emergency Clinical Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Laura Răducu
- Discipline of Plastic Surgery, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.); (C.-R.J.); (L.R.)
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ‘Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu’ Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (D.-E.G.-M.); (A.-E.Ț.); (T.P.)
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Mandalà M, Lorigan P, Sergi MC, Benannoune N, Serra P, Vitale MG, Giannarelli D, Arance AM, Couselo EM, Neyns B, Tucci M, Guida M, Spagnolo F, Rossi E, Occelli M, Queirolo P, Quaglino P, Depenni R, Merelli B, Placzke J, Di Giacomo AM, Del Vecchio M, Indini A, da Silva IP, Menzies AM, Long GV, Robert C, Rutkowski P, Ascierto PA. Combined immunotherapy in melanoma patients with brain metastases: A multicenter international study. Eur J Cancer 2024; 199:113542. [PMID: 38266540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.113542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ipilimumab plus nivolumab (COMBO) is the standard treatment in asymptomatic patients with melanoma brain metastases (MBM). We report a retrospective study aiming to assess the outcome of patients with MBM treated with COMBO outside clinical trials. METHODS Consecutive patients treated with COMBO have been included. Demographics, steroid treatment, Central Nervous System (CNS)-related symptoms, BRAF status, radiotherapy or surgery, response rate (RR), progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) have been analyzed. RESULTS 376 patients were included: 262 received COMBO as first-line and 114 as a subsequent line of therapy, respectively. In multivariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) (≥1 vs 0) [HR 1.97 (1.46-2.66)], extracerebral metastases [HR 1.92 (1.09-3.40)], steroid use at the start of COMBO [HR 1.59 (1.08-2.38)], CNS-related symptoms [HR 1.59 (1.08-2.34)], SRS (Stereotactic radiosurgery) [HR 0.63 (0.45-0.88)] and surgery [HR 0.63 (0.43-0.91)] were associated with OS. At a median follow-up of 30 months, the median OS (mOS) in the overall population was 21.3 months (18.1-24.5), whilst OS was not yet reached in treatment-naive patients, steroid-free at baseline. In patients receiving COMBO after BRAF/MEK inhibitors(i) PFS at 1-year was 15.7%. The dose of steroids (dexamethasone < vs ≥ 4 mg/day) was not prognostic. SRS alongside COMBO vs COMBO alone in asymptomatic patients prolonged survival. (p = 0.013). Toxicities were consistent with previous studies. An independent validation cohort (n = 51) confirmed the findings. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate remarkable long-term survival in treatment-naïve, asymptomatic, steroid-free patients, as well as in those receiving SRS plus COMBO. PFS and OS were poor in patients receiving COMBO after progressing to BRAF/MEKi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mandalà
- Unit of Medical Oncology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Paul Lorigan
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Maria Chiara Sergi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Patricio Serra
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Maria Grazia Vitale
- Department of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, I.N.T. IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale" Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Diana Giannarelli
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Eva Munoz Couselo
- Department of Medical Oncology. Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain & Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bart Neyns
- Department of Medical Oncology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marco Tucci
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Guida
- Rare Tumors and Melanoma Unit, IRCCS Istituto dei Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II," Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ernesto Rossi
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Depenni
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Oncology, Hematology, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | | | - Joanna Placzke
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Alice Indini
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ines Pires da Silva
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, and Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander M Menzies
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, and Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, and Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caroline Robert
- Gustave Roussy and Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paolo A Ascierto
- Department of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, I.N.T. IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale" Napoli, Naples, Italy
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Pelizzari G, Bertoli E, Buriolla S, Vitale MG, Basile D, Palmero L, Zara D, Iacono D, Andrea F, Pascoletti G, Bolzonello S, Garutti M, Fasola G, Puglisi F, Minisini AM. Estimating survival in patients with melanoma brain metastases: prognostic value of lactate dehydrogenase. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:398-405. [PMID: 37402350 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with melanoma brain metastases (MBM) have poor prognosis, albeit advances in locoregional and systemic treatments. The melanoma-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) effectively stratifies survival for patients with MBM. Nevertheless, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a well known prognostic factor for patients with melanoma, is not represented in the GPA scores and might add prognostic information for patients with MBM. In this study, 150 consecutive patients with MBM were retrospectively analyzed with the aim of evaluating independent prognostic factors for MBM patients, including LDH. Furthermore, we implemented a disease-specific prognostic score and estimated survival according to treatment modalities. On the basis of multivariable Cox regression analyses, six prognostic factors (age, BRAF status, number of MBM, number of extracranial metastatic sites, performance status, and LDH level) resulted statistically significant in terms of survival and were combined in a prognostic score to stratify patients in distinct prognostic groups ( P < 0.0001). Among treatment modalities, a multimodal approach with stereotactic radiosurgery or neurosurgery associated with systemic therapy showed the best outcome (median overall survival: 12.32 months, 95% confidence interval, 7.92-25.30). This is the first study to demonstrate that LDH has independent prognostic value for patients with MBM and might be used to improve prognostic stratification, albeit external validation is mandatory. Survival of patients with MBM is affected by both disease-specific risk factors and treatment modalities, with locoregional treatments associated with better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pelizzari
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC)
| | - Elisa Bertoli
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute IRCSS, Aviano
| | - Silvia Buriolla
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC)
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine
| | - Maria Grazia Vitale
- Department of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Napoli
| | - Debora Basile
- Department of Medical Oncology, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Crotone, Italy
| | - Lorenza Palmero
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute IRCSS, Aviano
| | - Diego Zara
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute IRCSS, Aviano
| | - Donatella Iacono
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC)
| | - Freschi Andrea
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute IRCSS, Aviano
| | - Gaetano Pascoletti
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC)
| | - Silvia Bolzonello
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute IRCSS, Aviano
| | - Mattia Garutti
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute IRCSS, Aviano
| | - Gianpiero Fasola
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC)
| | - Fabio Puglisi
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute IRCSS, Aviano
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Ahmad A, Khan P, Rehman AU, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Immunotherapy: an emerging modality to checkmate brain metastasis. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:111. [PMID: 37454123 PMCID: PMC10349473 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of brain metastasis (BrM) has historically been a dooming diagnosis that is nothing less than a death sentence, with few treatment options for palliation or prolonging life. Among the few treatment options available, brain radiotherapy (RT) and surgical resection have been the backbone of therapy. Within the past couple of years, immunotherapy (IT), alone and in combination with traditional treatments, has emerged as a reckoning force to combat the spread of BrM and shrink tumor burden. This review compiles recent reports describing the potential role of IT in the treatment of BrM in various cancers. It also examines the impact of the tumor microenvironment of BrM on regulating the spread of cancer and the role IT can play in mitigating that spread. Lastly, this review also focuses on the future of IT and new clinical trials pushing the boundaries of IT in BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aatiya Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Asad Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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Tan XL, Le A, Scherrer E, Tang H, Kiehl N, Han J, Jiang R, Diede SJ, Shui IM. Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for melanoma brain metastases. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1025664. [PMID: 36568199 PMCID: PMC9773194 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1025664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More than 60% of all stage IV melanoma patients develop brain metastases, while melanoma brain metastases (MBM) is historically difficult to treat with poor prognosis. Objectives To summarize clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in MBM patients. Methods A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, and a literature search for relevant studies was performed on November 1, 2020. Weighted average of median overall survival (OS) was calculated by treatments. The random-effects model in conducting meta-analyses was applied. Results A total of 41 observational studies and 12 clinical trials with our clinical outcomes of interest, and 31 observational studies addressing prognostic factors were selected. The most common treatments for MBM were immunotherapy (IO), MAP kinase inhibitor (MAPKi), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), SRS+MAPKi, and SRS+IO, with median OS from treatment start of 7.2, 8.6, 7.3, 7.3, and 14.1 months, respectively. Improved OS was observed for IO and SRS with the addition of IO and/or MAPKi, compared to no IO and SRS alone, respectively. Several prognostic factors were found to be significantly associated with OS in MBM. Conclusion This study summarizes pertinent information regarding clinical outcomes and the association between patient characteristics and MBM prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Lin Tan
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States,*Correspondence: Xiang-Lin Tan,
| | - Amy Le
- Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Emilie Scherrer
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States,Seagen Inc., Bothell, WA, United States
| | - Huilin Tang
- Integrative Precision Health, LLC, Carmel, IN, United States
| | - Nick Kiehl
- Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jiali Han
- Integrative Precision Health, LLC, Carmel, IN, United States
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Melanoma Brain Metastases: An Update on the Use of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Molecularly Targeted Agents. Am J Clin Dermatol 2022; 23:523-545. [PMID: 35534670 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-022-00678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastases from melanoma are no longer uniformly associated with dismal outcomes. Impressive tumor tissue-based (craniotomy) translational research has consistently shown that distinct patient subgroups may have a favorable prognosis. This review provides a historical overview of the standard-of-care treatments until the early 2010s. It subsequently summarizes more recent advances in understanding the biology of melanoma brain metastases (MBMs) and treating patients with MBMs, mainly focusing upon prospective clinical trials of BRAF/MEK and PD-1/CTLA-4 inhibitors in patients with previously untreated MBMs. These additional systemic treatments have provided effective complementary treatment approaches and/or alternatives to radiation and craniotomy. The current role of radiation therapy, especially in conjunction with systemic therapies, is also discussed through the lens of various retrospective studies. The combined efficacy of systemic treatments with radiation has improved overall survival over the last 10 years and has sparked considerable research interest regarding optimal dosing and sequencing of radiation treatments with systemic treatments. Finally, the review describes ongoing clinical trials in patients with MBMs.
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Srinivasan ES, Deshpande K, Neman J, Winkler F, Khasraw M. The microenvironment of brain metastases from solid tumors. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:v121-v132. [PMID: 34859239 PMCID: PMC8633769 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BrM) is an area of unmet medical need that poses unique therapeutic challenges and heralds a dismal prognosis. The intracranial tumor microenvironment (TME) presents several challenges, including the therapy-resistant blood-brain barrier, a unique immune milieu, distinct intercellular interactions, and specific metabolic conditions, that are responsible for treatment failures and poor clinical outcomes. There is a complex interplay between malignant cells that metastasize to the central nervous system (CNS) and the native TME. Cancer cells take advantage of vascular, neuronal, immune, and anatomical vulnerabilities to proliferate with mechanisms specific to the CNS. In this review, we discuss unique aspects of the TME in the context of brain metastases and pathways through which the TME may hold the key to the discovery of new and effective therapies for patients with BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Srinivasan
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Krutika Deshpande
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Josh Neman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Physiology and Neuroscience, USC Brain Tumor Center, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Anvari A, Sasanpour P, Rajabzadeh Kheradmardi M. Radiotherapy and immunotherapy in melanoma brain metastases. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2021; 16:1-20. [PMID: 36634277 DOI: 10.1016/j.hemonc.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) generally portends a dismal prognosis. Simultaneous use of radiotherapy (RT) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy demonstrated tremendous promise and emerged as the new standard. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate survival outcomes and toxicities of this combination in patients with MBM. Data analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2) and IBM SPSS software (version 27). METHODS A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (via Wiley) was conducted using PICOS/PRISMA selection protocol and included studies to evaluate survival and safety-associated outcomes of ICI + RT for the treatment of MBM. RESULTS A total 44 studies involving 2498 patients were reviewed. The pooled effect size (ES) for overall survival (OS) to compare the ICI + RT arm and ICI alone arm (HR: 0.693 [0.526-0.913, p = .001]), and compare the ICI + RT arm and brain RT alone (HR: 0.595 [0.489-0.723, p < .001)] indicated better survival outcomes in ICI + RT versus RT alone and ICI alone arms. Comparing central nervous system toxicity in the ICI + RT arm and RT alone arm, the pooled ES Grade ≥ 3 neurologic adverse events (NAEs) risk ratio ([RR] = 1.425; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.485-4.183; p = .519) indicated that ICI + RT nonsignificantly increased Grade 3-4 NAEs. Comparing Grade ≥ 3 radiation necrosis in the ICI + RT arm and RT alone arm, the pooled ES RR (RR = 2.73; 95% CI: 0.59-12.59; p = .199) indicated that ICI + RT nonsignificantly increased Grade ≥ 3 radiation necrosis. CONCLUSION Concurrent administration of RT and ICI evinced favorable OS outcomes and acceptable safety profile in MBM patients. Planned prospective trials are required to demonstrate the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Anvari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Imam Hussein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Sasanpour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Imam Ali Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Science, Zahedan, Iran
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Amaral T, Kiecker F, Schaefer S, Stege H, Kaehler K, Terheyden P, Gesierich A, Gutzmer R, Haferkamp S, Uttikal J, Berking C, Rafei-Shamsabadi D, Reinhardt L, Meier F, Karoglan A, Posch C, Gambichler T, Pfoehler C, Thoms K, Tietze J, Debus D, Herbst R, Emmert S, Loquai C, Hassel JC, Meiss F, Tueting T, Heinrich V, Eigentler T, Garbe C, Zimmer L. Combined immunotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab with and without local therapy in patients with melanoma brain metastasis: a DeCOG* study in 380 patients. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000333. [PMID: 32221017 PMCID: PMC7206917 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nivolumab combined with ipilimumab have shown activity in melanoma brain metastasis (MBM). However, in most of the clinical trials investigating immunotherapy in this subgroup, patients with symptomatic MBM and/or prior local brain radiotherapy were excluded. We studied the efficacy of nivolumab plus ipilimumab alone or in combination with local therapies regardless of treatment line in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic MBM. Methods Patients with MBM treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab in 23 German Skin Cancer Centers between April 2015 and October 2018 were investigated. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier estimator and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed to determine prognostic factors associated with OS. Results Three hundred and eighty patients were included in this study and 31% had symptomatic MBM (60/193 with data available) at the time of start nivolumab plus ipilimumab. The median follow-up was 18 months and the 2 years and 3 years OS rates were 41% and 30%, respectively. We identified the following independently significant prognostic factors for OS: elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and protein S100B levels, number of MBM and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. In these patients treated with checkpoint inhibition first-line or later, in the subgroup of patients with BRAFV600-mutated melanoma we found no differences in terms of OS when receiving first-line either BRAF and MEK inhibitors or nivolumab plus ipilimumab (p=0.085). In BRAF wild-type patients treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab in first-line or later there was also no difference in OS (p=0.996). Local therapy with stereotactic radiosurgery or surgery led to an improvement in OS compared with not receiving local therapy (p=0.009), regardless of the timepoint of the local therapy. Receiving combined immunotherapy for MBM in first-line or at a later time point made no difference in terms of OS in this study population (p=0.119). Conclusion Immunotherapy with nivolumab plus ipilimumab, particularly in combination with stereotactic radiosurgery or surgery improves OS in asymptomatic and symptomatic MBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Amaral
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Felix Kiecker
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Schaefer
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henner Stege
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Kaehler
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Patrick Terheyden
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anja Gesierich
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Department of Dermatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Jochen Uttikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - David Rafei-Shamsabadi
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Centre University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Reinhardt
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ante Karoglan
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.,Sigmund Freud Universität Wien, Faculty of Medicine, Wien, Austria
| | - Thilo Gambichler
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Claudia Pfoehler
- Department of Dermatology, Saarland University Medical School, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Kai Thoms
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Tietze
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Augsburg Medical Center, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Debus
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Paracelsus Medical University, General Hospital Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | | | - Steffen Emmert
- Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Carmen Loquai
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jessica C Hassel
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Meiss
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Centre University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Tueting
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Heinrich
- Clinic of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Claus Garbe
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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10
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Makawita S, Tawbi HA. Nonsurgical Management of Melanoma Brain Metastasis: Current Therapeutics, Challenges, and Strategies for Progress. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2021; 41:79-90. [PMID: 34010041 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_321137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to provide an overview of nonsurgical treatment strategies for central nervous system metastases in melanoma as well as discuss treatment challenges and future directions. Recent strategies for melanoma brain metastases have involved proving the intracranial activity of approved therapies as well as identifying novel drug targets. BRAF/MEK combination therapy has intracranial activity in those with BRAF V600 mutations, though disease control is shorter for intracranial than extracranial metastases. Immunotherapy and combination immunotherapies have emerged as providing durable responses in melanoma, and newer studies combining immunotherapy with targeted therapies are emerging. Continued challenges include penetration through the blood-brain barrier and development of resistance mechanisms. Novel therapeutic targets and methods to improve central nervous system penetrance are being identified through the application of deep DNA- and RNA-sequencing analyses. Radiation therapy approaches, especially stereotactic radiosurgery in combination or in sequence with systemic therapies, are also being investigated. Both targeted therapies and immunotherapies have revolutionized the field of melanoma treatment. Multimodality approaches with multidisciplinary teams will pave the way for the future of central nervous system disease treatment in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Makawita
- Department of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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11
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Real-world analysis of clinicopathological characteristics, survival rates, and prognostic factors in patients with melanoma brain metastases in China. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:2731-2740. [PMID: 33611636 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to establish the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with melanoma brain metastases (MBM) in the East Asian population. METHODS Overall survival (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression analyses were used to determine prognostic factors associated with intracranial PFS and OS. RESULTS Between July 2007 and December 2019, 431 patients diagnosed with MBM were enrolled. Mucosal subtype (p = 0.013), LDH level (p = 0.014), the number of MBM ≥ 4 (p = 0.02), local treatment (p < 0.0001) and the use of PD-1 inhibitors (p < 0.0001) were independent prognostic factors for intracranial PFS. Mucosal subtype (p = 0.022), LDH level (p = 0.005), no extracranial metastasis (p = 0.01), concurrent liver metastasis (p = 0.004), local treatment (p = 0.001) and the use of PD-1 inhibitors (p < 0.0001) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Mucosal subtype brain metastases had a poor response to PD-1 inhibitors (p = 0.007), with a shorter intracranial PFS than other subtypes. In BRAF mutation patients with MBM, the first-line BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy group had an advantage in OS compared to the first-line anti-PD-1 therapy group (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION Our findings depict clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of MBM in the East Asian population, suggesting the mucosal subtype as an adverse prognostic and predictive factor for patients with MBM. For BRAF mutation patients with MBM, first-line BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy may bring a potential survival benefit compared to first-line anti-PD-1 therapy.
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12
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Nunno VD, Nuvola G, Mosca M, Maggio I, Gatto L, Tosoni A, Lodi R, Franceschi E, Brandes AA. Clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with brain metastases. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:419-432. [PMID: 33472433 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases (BMs) represent a negative prognostic factor for patients with solid malignancies. BMs are generally approached with loco-regional treatments and the blood-brain barrier limits the efficacy of some systemic drugs. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the management of brain metastases in patients with solid malignancies. We performed a review of available literature. Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent the standard treatment for several advanced solid malignancies. However, with the exception of melanoma their clinical role in other solid malignancies is not completely clear due to the exclusion of patients with BM from approval clinical trials. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors may be an effective treatment of brain metastases of melanoma while their clinical role on brain metastases from other solid malignancies is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giacomo Nuvola
- Department of Specialized, Experimental & Diagnostic Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
| | - Mirta Mosca
- Department of Specialized, Experimental & Diagnostic Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
| | - Ilaria Maggio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lidia Gatto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alicia Tosoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lodi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna
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13
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Role of Hypoxia and the Adenosine System in Immune Evasion and Prognosis of Patients with Brain Metastases of Melanoma: A Multiplex Whole Slide Immunofluorescence Study. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123753. [PMID: 33322215 PMCID: PMC7763902 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a substantial prolongation of the overall survival has been achieved for many patients with multiple brain metastases from melanoma. However, heterogeneity between individual tumor responses is incompletely understood. In order to determine the impact of the individual tumor phenotype on the prognosis of melanoma patients, we examined surgical sections from 33 patients who were treated with radiotherapy (whole-brain radiotherapy, WBRT, stereotactic radiotherapy, STX, or both) and Ipilimumab. We analyzed multiplex staining of the hypoxia marker GLUT-1, the adenosine (ADO)-associated enzymes CD73 and CD39, and CD8, a marker of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) on a single-cell basis using QuPath. Additionally, the MOSAIC interaction analysis algorithm was used to explore the hypothesis that CTL systematically avoid GLUT-1high tumor areas. Our results revealed, that a strong GLUT-1 expression, low numbers of CTL, or exclusion of CTL from the tumor were correlated with significant prognostic detriment. Hypoxic tumors overall have smaller amounts of CTL, and spatial analysis revealed a repellent effect of hypoxia on CTL. In contrast to in vitro studies, specific upregulation of ADO-related enzymes CD73 and CD39 in GLUT-1high tumor regions was never observed. In this study, we could show direct in vivo evidence for hypoxia-mediated immunosuppression in melanoma. Moreover, this study suggests a significant prognostic relevance of the tumor immune phenotype, the strength of CD8 infiltration in the tumor, and the expression of hypoxia marker GLUT-1 on melanoma cells. Last, our results suggest a temporal stability of the microenvironment-mediated immunosuppressive phenotype in melanoma.
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14
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Amaral T, Niessner H, Sinnberg T, Thomas I, Meiwes A, Garbe C, Garzarolli M, Rauschenberg R, Eigentler T, Meier F. An open-label, single-arm, phase II trial of buparlisib in patients with melanoma brain metastases not eligible for surgery or radiosurgery-the BUMPER study. Neurooncol Adv 2020; 2:vdaa140. [PMID: 33305271 PMCID: PMC7712798 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) still carry a dismal prognosis. Preclinical data originated in xenograft models showed that buparlisib therapy was highly effective in therapy-naïve MBM. Patients and Methods In this open-label, phase II trial, we investigate the safety and efficacy of monotherapy with buparlisib, a PI3K inhibitor, in patients with asymptomatic MBM who were not candidates for local therapy. These patients had also progressed under immunotherapy if BRAF wild-type or under targeted therapy with BRAF/MEK inhibitors if carrying a BRAFV600E/K mutation. The primary endpoint was the intracranial disease control rate assessed by the investigators. The secondary endpoints were overall response rate, duration of response (DOR) of intracranial disease, overall response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and tolerability of buparlisib. Results A total of 20 patients were screened and 17 patients were treated with buparlisib. Twelve patients had progressed under more than 2 systemic therapy lines and 17 had received at least 1 previous local therapy. There were no intracranial responses. Three patients achieved intracranial stable disease; the median DOR was 117 days. The median PFS was 42 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23–61 days) and the median OS was 5.0 months (95% CI: 2.24–7.76 months). No new safety signs were observed. Conclusions Buparlisib was well tolerated but no intracranial responses were observed. These results might be explained in part by the inclusion of only heavily pretreated patients. However, preclinical data strongly support the rationale to explore PI3K inhibitor-based combinations in patients with MBM displaying hyperactivation of the PI3K–AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Amaral
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Health Care Direction, Portuguese Air Force, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Heike Niessner
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ioannis Thomas
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meiwes
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Claus Garbe
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marlene Garzarolli
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre and National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ricarda Rauschenberg
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre and National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre and National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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15
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Gutzmer R, Vordermark D, Hassel JC, Krex D, Wendl C, Schadendorf D, Sickmann T, Rieken S, Pukrop T, Höller C, Eigentler TK, Meier F. Melanoma brain metastases - Interdisciplinary management recommendations 2020. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 89:102083. [PMID: 32736188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) are common and associated with a particularly poor prognosis; they directly cause death in 60-70% of melanoma patients. In the past, systemic treatments have shown response rates around 5%, whole brain radiation as standard of care has achieved a median overall survival of approximately three months. Recently, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combinations of MAP-kinase inhibitors both have shown very promising response rates of up to 55% and 58%, respectively, and improved survival. However, current clinical evidence is based on multi-cohort studies only, as prospectively randomized trials have been carried out rarely in MBM, independently whether investigating systemic therapy, radiotherapy or surgical techniques. Here, an interdisciplinary expert team reviewed the outcome of prospectively conducted clinical studies in MBM, identified evidence gaps and provided recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, outcome evaluation and monitoring of MBM patients. The recommendations refer to four distinct scenarios: patients (i) with 'brain-only' disease, (ii) with oligometastatic asymptomatic intra- and extracranial disease, (iii) with multiple asymptomatic metastases, and (iv) with multiple symptomatic MBM or leptomeningeal disease. Changes in current management recommendations comprise the use of immunotherapy - preferably combined anti-CTLA-4/PD-1-immunotherapy - in asymptomatic MBM minus/plus stereotactic radiosurgery which remains the mainstay of local brain therapy being safe and effective. Adjuvant whole-brain radiotherapy provides no clinical benefit in oligometastatic MBM. Among the systemic therapies, combined MAPK-kinase inhibition provides, in BRAFV600-mutated patients with rapidly progressing or/and symptomatic MBM, an alternative to combined immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
| | - Dirk Vordermark
- Department for Radiation Oncology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jessica C Hassel
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Krex
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christina Wendl
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Rieken
- Policlinic for Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Höller
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas K Eigentler
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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16
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Li S, Shen L. Radiobiology of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR): perspectives of clinical oncologists. J Cancer 2020; 11:5056-5068. [PMID: 32742453 PMCID: PMC7378931 DOI: 10.7150/jca.44408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is a novel radiation treatment method that delivers an intense dose of radiation to the treatment targets with high accuracy. The excellent local control and tolerance profile of SABR have made it become an important modality in cancer treatment. The radiobiology of SABR is a key factor in understanding and further optimizing the benefits of SABR. In this review, we have addressed several issues in the radiobiology of SABR from the perspective of clinical oncologists. The appropriateness of the linear-quadratic (LQ) model for SABR is controversial based on preclinical data, but it is a reliable tool from the perspective of clinical application because the biological effective dose (BED) calculated with it can represent the tumor control probability (TCP). Hypoxia is a common phenomenon in SABR in spite of the relatively small tumor size and has a negative effect on the efficacy of SABR. Preliminary studies indicate that a hypoxic radiosensitizer combined with SABR may be a feasible strategy, but so far there is not adequate evidence to support its application in routine practice. The vascular change of endothelial apoptosis and blood perfusion reduction in SABR may enhance the response of tumor cells to radiation. Combination of SABR with anti-angiogenesis therapy has shown promising efficacy and good tolerance in advanced cancers. SABR is more powerful in enhancing antitumor immunity and works better with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) than conventional fractionation radiotherapy. Combination of SABR with ICIs has become a practical option for cancer patients with metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liangfang Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, China
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17
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Wernicke AG, Polce S, Parashar B. Role of Radiation in the Era of Effective Systemic Therapy for Melanoma. Surg Clin North Am 2020; 100:189-199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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van Opijnen MP, Dirven L, Coremans IEM, Taphoorn MJB, Kapiteijn EHW. The impact of current treatment modalities on the outcomes of patients with melanoma brain metastases: A systematic review. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:1479-1489. [PMID: 31583684 PMCID: PMC7004107 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients with melanoma brain metastases (MBM) still have a very poor prognosis. Several treatment modalities have been investigated in an attempt to improve the management of MBM. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of current treatments for MBM on patient‐ and tumor‐related outcomes, and to provide treatment recommendations for this patient population. A literature search in the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane was conducted up to January 8, 2019. Original articles published since 2010 describing patient‐ and tumor‐related outcomes of adult MBM patients treated with clearly defined systemic therapy were included. Information on basic trial demographics, treatment under investigation and outcomes (overall and progression‐free survival, local and distant control and toxicity) were extracted. We identified 96 eligible articles, comprising 95 studies. A large variety of treatment options for MBM were investigated, either used alone or as combined modality therapy. Combined modality therapy was investigated in 71% of the studies and resulted in increased survival and better distant/local control than monotherapy, especially with targeted therapy or immunotherapy. However, neurotoxic side‐effects also occurred more frequently. Timing appeared to be an important determinant, with the best results when radiotherapy was given before or during systemic therapy. Improved tumor control and prolonged survival can be achieved by combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy or targeted therapy. However, more randomized controlled trials or prospective studies are warranted to generate proper evidence that can be used to change the standard of care for patients with MBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P van Opijnen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Dirven
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Ida E M Coremans
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Martin J B Taphoorn
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen H W Kapiteijn
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Clinical Oncology, Leiden, The Netherlands
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19
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Sankey EW, Tsvankin V, Grabowski MM, Nayar G, Batich KA, Risman A, Champion CD, Salama AKS, Goodwin CR, Fecci PE. Operative and peri-operative considerations in the management of brain metastasis. Cancer Med 2019; 8:6809-6831. [PMID: 31568689 PMCID: PMC6853809 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of patients who develop metastatic brain lesions is increasing as the diagnosis and treatment of systemic cancers continues to improve, resulting in longer patient survival. The role of surgery in the management of brain metastasis (BM), particularly multiple and recurrent metastases, remains controversial and continues to evolve. However, with appropriate patient selection, outcomes after surgery are typically favorable. In addition, surgery is the only means to obtain a tissue diagnosis and is the only effective treatment modality to quickly relieve neurological complications or life-threatening symptoms related to significant mass effect, CSF obstruction, and peritumoral edema. As such, a thorough understanding of the role of surgery in patients with metastatic brain lesions, as well as the factors associated with surgical outcomes, is essential for the effective management of this unique and growing patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. Sankey
- Department of NeurosurgeryDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | - Vadim Tsvankin
- Department of NeurosurgeryDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | | | - Gautam Nayar
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPAUSA
| | | | - Aida Risman
- School of MedicineMedical College of GeorgiaAugustaGAUSA
| | | | | | - C. Rory Goodwin
- Department of NeurosurgeryDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | - Peter E. Fecci
- Department of NeurosurgeryDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
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