Melanoma Matters
Melanoma Matters Pod
1 Listener
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Melanoma Matters Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Melanoma Matters episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Melanoma Matters for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Melanoma Matters episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Ep 02: RELATIVITY-047
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 26 min
Summary
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the RELATIVITY 047 trial, which evaluated the combination of nivolumab and relatlimab in frontline metastatic melanoma. They cover the trial design, response rates, overall survival, toxicity, and the role of PD-L1 expression in treatment decisions. They also explore the potential use of nivolumab and relatlimab in patients with brain metastases. While the combination showed a superior progression-free survival compared to nivolumab monotherapy, it did not demonstrate a significant overall survival benefit. The tolerability profile was better than ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy but had more side effects than anti-PD-1 monotherapy.
Keywords
RELATIVITY 047, nivolumab, relatlimab, metastatic melanoma, checkpoint inhibitors, PD-L1 expression, response rates, overall survival, toxicity, brain metastases
Takeaways
The RELATIVITY 047 trial evaluated the combination of nivolumab and relatlimab in frontline metastatic melanoma.
The combination showed a superior progression-free survival compared to nivolumab monotherapy.
There was no significant overall survival benefit observed in the trial.
The tolerability profile of nivolumab and relatlimab was better than ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy but had more side effects than anti-PD-1 monotherapy.
PD-L1 expression may play a role in treatment decisions, but its use as a biomarker is still debated.
The efficacy of nivolumab and relatlimab in patients with brain metastases is an area of interest.
Further follow-up and data analysis are needed to fully understand the long-term outcomes of the combination therapy.
Sound Bites
"Relativity 047 was a randomized phase three study for frontline metastatic melanoma using dual checkpoint inhibition."
"Relativity 047 is hitting some marks, but it's missing others. It has a PFS benefit but no OS benefit."
"The CheckMate 067 trial had a sicker population with higher LDH and declining performance status compared to RELA 047."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Trial Background
04:47 Comparison with CheckMate 067 and Study Population Differences
09:48 Challenges of Using PD-L1 Expression as a Biomarker
24:19 Fact Check: Citations and Clarifications
1 Listener
Ep 42: RELATIVITY 020
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 31 min
Summary
James' favorite moments from #ESMO24 include footie and a not-so-chance encounter with NEJM Editor-in-Chief, Eric Rubin.
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the Relativity 020 study, which focuses on Nivo Rela after PD-1 exposure in melanoma patients. They reflect on their experiences at ESMO, including networking and memorable moments, before diving into the details of the study, including patient cohorts, treatment efficacy, and the challenges faced in clinical trials. The conversation also touches on the role of CTLA-4 therapies and the complexities of treatment sequencing in melanoma care.
Keywords
melanoma, ESMO, Relativity 020, Nivo Rela, PD-1, CTLA-4, clinical trials, patient access, immunotherapy, oncology
Takeaways
The Relativity 020 study explores Nivo Rela after PD-1 exposure in melanoma.
Networking at ESMO is crucial for sharing insights and experiences.
Patient access to treatments is a significant challenge in clinical trials.
The efficacy of Nivo Rela in heavily pretreated patients is limited.
CTLA-4 therapies show low response rates in PD-1 refractory patients.
Understanding treatment sequences is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.
The importance of academic trials in addressing knowledge gaps in melanoma treatment.
Elevated LDH levels are a concerning biomarker in treatment response.
Collaboration among investigators is vital for advancing melanoma research.
The conversation highlights the need for ongoing research and trials in melanoma.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and ESMO Highlights
03:30 Reflections on ESMO 2024
06:21 The Relativity 020 Study Overview
09:17 Patient Perspectives and Clinical Trials
12:20 Challenges in European Clinical Trials
15:36 Efficacy of NIVO-RELA in Refractory Melanoma
18:40 Discussion on CTLA-4 Therapies
21:21 Future Directions in Melanoma Treatment
1 Listener
Ep 38: TIL v. Ipi
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 34 min
Summary
On the heels of the great ESMO 2024 session with Toni Ribas, Inge Marie Svane, and Olivier Michielin James and Sapna discuss Prof Svane and Prof van Haanen's TIL trial, a significant study in melanoma treatment that explores the efficacy and safety of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy compared to traditional treatments. They delve into the historical context of the trial, its design, the observed efficacy rates, potential side effects, and the implications of sex-based differences in treatment outcomes. The discussion highlights the importance of this trial in shaping future treatment strategies for melanoma and the need for further research in this area.
Keywords
TIL trial, melanoma, cellular therapy, immunotherapy, efficacy, toxicity, first-line treatment, sex-based differences
Takeaways
The TIL trial is a landmark study in melanoma treatment.
TIL therapy shows a near 50% response rate in patients.
The control arm of the trial has faced criticism.
TIL therapy is a viable strategy for patients after PD-1 exposure.
Toxicity profiles of TIL therapy need careful consideration.
There is potential for TIL therapy to be used in first-line treatment.
Sex-based differences in treatment outcomes are significant.
The trial design raises important regulatory questions.
Further research is needed to understand hormonal influences on treatment.
The results of this trial could change treatment paradigms in melanoma.
Sound Bites
"This is the first randomized study of cellular therapy."
"TIL therapy shows a near 50% response rate."
"The control arm has been criticized."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the TIL trial
04:08 Discussion on the efficacy of TIL therapy
09:12 Considerations for regulatory approval and future research
11:34 Analysis of toxicity in the TILT trial
15:46 Exploring the potential of TIL therapy in the first-line setting
20:12 Discussion on the feasibility of conducting larger trials with TIL therapy
23:42 Sex-based differences in the response to TIL therapy
27:35 Complexity of studying sex-based differences in cancer treatment
31:04 Conclusion and future implications of the TILT trial
33:07 Impressive Median Dose of Till Cells
33:33 Administration of High-Dose IL-2
1 Listener
Ep 01: CheckMate-067
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 24 min
In this inaugural episode of Melanoma Matters, hear our what, why, and thank yous. Thank you (luv-u) to our producer big sister (general) Kippy, to David Gedge and The Wedding Present for use of their song "My Favourite Dress," and to the Uromigos duo of Tom & Brian for showing us what is possible.
In Episode 01, Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the CheckMate 067 study, a randomized phase three trial for frontline treatment of metastatic melanoma. They highlight the key findings, including improved progression-free survival, overall survival, and objective response rate with the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab compared to monotherapy. They also discuss the importance of long-term follow-up and the management of toxicities associated with the combination therapy.
Keywords
melanoma, CheckMate 067, frontline treatment, metastatic melanoma, nivolumab, ipilimumab, combination therapy, monotherapy, progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, toxicity
Takeaways
The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab showed improved outcomes in progression-free survival, overall survival, and objective response rate compared to monotherapy in the CheckMate 067 study.
Long-term follow-up is important to assess the durability of treatment benefits and the development of long-term side effects.
Toxicities associated with combination therapy need to be managed, and treatment-free intervals can be considered without compromising long-term benefits.
Future trials should focus on capturing data on the development of CNS metastasis and melanoma-specific survival.
Viewer questions may be incorporated in future episodes to provide additional insights and engage the audience.
Sound Bites
"CheckMate 067: Frontline treatment of metastatic melanoma with nivolumab and ipilimumab"
"Treatment-free intervals after immune checkpoint inhibitor, particularly the combinations, does not necessarily compromise long-term benefit"
"Numerically, ipilimumab-nivolumab combination fared better in the development of brain metastases compared to anti-PD-1 monotherapy"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:30 CheckMate 067 Study: Improved Outcomes with Combination Therapy
13:01 Comparison with Pembrolizumab Monotherapy
1 Listener
Ep 61: Guest Inge Marie Svane
Melanoma Matters
03/12/25 • 24 min
Summary
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, host Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome guest Inge Marie Svane to discuss the evolution and future of cancer immunotherapy, particularly focusing on cellular therapy for melanoma. Inge Marie shares her extensive background in the field, the establishment of a cancer immune therapy center in Denmark, and the historical context of cellular therapy. The conversation delves into the current challenges and innovations in T-cell therapy, regulatory hurdles, and the potential for cellular therapy in other solid tumors. The episode highlights the importance of optimizing treatment strategies and the need for collaboration between academia and industry and regulators to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords
melanoma, cancer immunotherapy, cellular therapy, T-cell therapy, checkpoint inhibitors, clinical trials, patient care, regulatory challenges, cancer vaccines, treatment advancements
Takeaways
- Inge Marie Svane has over 25 years of experience in cancer immunotherapy.
- She established a center for cancer immune therapy in Denmark.
- T-cell therapy can benefit patients regardless of checkpoint inhibitor response.
- Not all patients are suitable for T-cell therapy; age and health status matter.
- Optimizing T-cell manufacturing processes is crucial for efficacy.
- Reducing side effects of T-cell therapy is a priority.
- Regulatory frameworks for cellular therapy are challenging in Europe.
- Future strategies may include genetic modifications to enhance T-cell function.
- Cellular therapy shows promise in other solid tumors, but challenges remain.
Titles
Exploring the Future of Melanoma Treatment
Inge Marie Svane on Cancer Immunotherapy Innovations
Sound Bites
"We need to move forward in all directions."
"The system is completely untrained for academia."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction of Guest Inge Marie Svane
05:37 Historical Perspective on Cellular Therapy for Melanoma
09:04 Optimizing T-Cell Therapy: Challenges and Innovations
20:50 Prospects for Cellular Therapy in Other Solid Tumors
1 Listener
Ep 03: CheckMate-204
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 27 min
Summary
In this conversation, James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the findings of the Checkmate 204 study, which looked at the treatment of brain metastases from melanoma using nivolumab and ipilimumab. They highlight that the combination therapy showed efficacy in asymptomatic patients with brain metastases, with a 55% intracranial clinical benefit rate. They also discuss the importance of early detection and treatment of brain metastases, as well as the role of local therapies such as surgery and stereotactic radiotherapy. The conversation emphasizes the need to minimize the use of steroids and start systemic treatment as soon as possible.
Keywords
Checkmate 204, brain metastases, melanoma, nivolumab, ipilimumab, intracranial clinical benefit, asymptomatic, local therapy, surgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, steroids, systemic treatment
Takeaways
- The combination therapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab showed efficacy in asymptomatic patients with brain metastases from melanoma.
- Early detection and treatment of brain metastases is crucial for improving outcomes.
- Local therapies such as surgery and stereotactic radiotherapy can be used for symptomatic brain metastases.
- Minimizing the use of steroids and starting systemic treatment as soon as possible is important.
- The systemic standard of care for brain metastases from melanoma is ipinivo.
Sound Bites
"NIVO-IPI is active in the brain for asymptomatic patients."
"If you have an asymptomatic untreated brain met measuring at least 0.5 centimeters, there's activity with this combination."
"When I was learning how to treat this disease 20 years ago, having brain metastasis was basically a death sentence. Now we're talking about three-year data and it looks like the possibility of cure in some of these patients."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Checkmate 204
06:33 Improvement in Outcomes for Brain Metastases
11:47 Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
23:16 Practical Considerations and Conclusion
25:38 Fact Check
1 Listener
Ep 49: Melanoma Patient Network Europe with Bettina Ryll
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 39 min
Summary
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel engage with Bettina Ryll, founder of the Melanoma Patient Network Europe (MPNE). Bettina shares her personal journey from being a physician to becoming a patient advocate after her husband's battle with metastatic melanoma. The conversation explores the evolution of patient support networks, the challenges faced in healthcare systems, and complex adaptive systems. Bettina emphasizes the need for systemic change to improve patient access to treatments and highlights the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of healthcare, economics, and patient outcomes.
Keywords
melanoma, patient advocacy, healthcare systems, immunotherapy, patient networks, Bettina Ryll, MPNE, clinical trials, healthcare access, systemic change
Takeaways
Bettina Ryll founded MPNE after her husband's battle with melanoma.
Patient networks are crucial for sharing knowledge and support.
Understanding the healthcare system is key to advocating for patients.
Immunotherapy presents complex challenges that need addressing.
Systemic change is necessary for improving patient access to treatments.
The pharmaceutical landscape is influenced by economic factors.
Patients should not be treated as victims of their circumstances.
Action is often more effective than extensive planning.
Collaboration and community (and ferocious energy) are essential for driving change.
Sound Bites
"I just started explaining science."
"We are sentinels for issues."
"We must be standing for something."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bettina Ryll
06:19 The Formation of Melanoma Patient Network Europe
11:51 Understanding Patient Needs and Systemic Issues
17:54 Challenges in Immunotherapy and Clinical Trials
23:47 Healthcare and Patient Access as Complex Adaptive Systems
29:25 The Role of Community and Collaboration in Change
1 Listener
10/14/24 • 28 min
Teaser: Find out Allison's favorite body part, had she been an orthopedic surgeon (and James' 2nd favorite.. from the movie Sleeper)
Summary
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome Dr. Allison Betof-Warner, Director of the Advanced Melanoma Program at Stanford University. The conversation explores Dr. Betof-Warner's journey into oncology, her passion for CrossFit, and the significant role of exercise in cancer prevention and treatment. They discuss the emerging field of exercise oncology, the importance of strength training for cancer patients, and the latest advancements in cellular therapy for melanoma, particularly in patients with brain metastases. Hot take: physical activity is a vital component of cancer treatment.
Keywords
melanoma, oncology, exercise oncology, cancer prevention, cellular therapy, CrossFit, strength training, TIL therapy, patient care, health and wellness
Takeaways
Exercise is crucial throughout the cancer journey, from prevention to treatment.
The field of exercise oncology is growing, focusing on the benefits of physical activity for cancer patients.
Strength training is now recommended for cancer patients to maintain function and prevent cachexia.
Patients should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, even during treatment.
Research shows that exercise can improve tumor vascular structure and enhance chemotherapy delivery.
The safety of exercise during cancer treatment has been increasingly supported by research.
Cellular therapy is a promising area of research for melanoma, especially in patients with brain metastases.
Patient education regarding exercise during treatment is important.
A multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including physical therapy, is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.
Titles
The Role of Exercise in Cancer Treatment
Cellular Therapy in Melanoma with Brain Metastasis
Sound Bites
"I shifted the direction of my research, did my PhD in cancer research."
"Exercise spans the cancer journey."
"Exercise helps prevent cancer cachexia."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:24 Allison's Journey to Oncology and CrossFit
06:32 The Intersection of Exercise and Cancer
09:33 Exercise Oncology: Benefits and Guidelines
19:22 Safety and Efficacy of TIL Therapy for CNS disease
25:22 Patient Exercise During Cell Therapy
Ep 33: Percutaneous Hepatic Infusion for Uveal Melanoma
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 41 min
Summary
Warning: we recorded ANOTHER 40-minute episode on uveal melanoma! But this time we decided *not* to split it into 2 episodes. So dig in for a long one...there's the use of props at the end!
In this conversation, James and Sapna discuss the FOCUS trial and the use of the melphalan hepatic delivery system. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the differences between infusion and perfusion, the implications of study design on dropout rates, and the future directions for treatment in this area.
Takeaways
The FOCUS trial showed a high dropout rate due to unappealing control arms.
Melphalan hepatic delivery is a new approach for treating uveal melanoma.
Understanding the difference between infusion and perfusion is crucial for treatment efficacy.
Patient selection is key, especially regarding liver involvement.
The objective response rate of 36.3% is significant for this patient population.
Quality of life post-treatment has improved compared to previous methods.
The study design faced challenges due to high dropout rates.
Future studies may need to consider alternative endpoints for efficacy.
The treatment requires a specialized care team for administration.
Overall survival data is still pending for the new treatment approach.
Keywords
melphalan, HDS, uveal melanoma, FOCUS trial, treatment efficacy, patient selection, infusion, perfusion, clinical trials, oncology
Sound Bites
"This is a pitiful fact check."
"The hazard ratio for that study for OS was basically one."
"It's not a closed system of catheters."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
02:31 Overview of the FOCUS Trial
05:09 Designing Clinical Trials with Challenging Control Arms
08:50 Procedure and Treatment Details
18:30 Objective Response Rate and Duration of Response
20:49 Side Effects and Considerations for Patient Selection
33:24 Fact Check
34:07 Dropout in the FOCUS Trial and the Checkmate 037 Study
36:47 Infusion versus Perfusion - what's the difference
39:54 Clarifying the M Category for Melanoma
Ep 35 TRAILER: End of Life care
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 1 min
A trailer on our conversation about end of life care in melanoma
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Melanoma Matters have?
Melanoma Matters currently has 70 episodes available.
What topics does Melanoma Matters cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Medicine and Podcasts.
What is the most popular episode on Melanoma Matters?
The episode title 'Ep 01: CheckMate-067' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Melanoma Matters?
The average episode length on Melanoma Matters is 28 minutes.
When was the first episode of Melanoma Matters?
The first episode of Melanoma Matters was released on Oct 14, 2024.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ