Melanoma Matters
Melanoma Matters Pod
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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 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 Inga 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 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 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 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
Ep 36: Indirect comparison CM 067 v RELA 047
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 24 min
Summary
James is back from holiday and tells us the peak, pit, and bud of his time away. (Spoiler: the pit was NOT a broken tooth!) He also shares a tip for time management and email hygiene on holiday. Sapna makes an unfortunate wardrobe choice (noisy, not visual).
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna and James delve into the complexities of indirect treatment comparisons in melanoma therapy. They discuss a recently published paper comparing nivolumab plus relatlimab versus nivolumab plus ipilimumab, exploring the statistical methodologies, clinical implications, and biological plausibility of the findings. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding treatment options, patient selection, and future directions in melanoma treatment strategies.
Keywords
melanoma, indirect treatment comparison, nivolumab, relatlimab, ipilimumab, clinical trials, biomarkers, treatment strategies, patient care, oncology
Takeaways
Indirect treatment comparisons are a valid methodology.
Statistical methodologies can be complex but are essential for comparisons.
The efficacy of treatments can vary based on patient characteristics.
Biological plausibility is crucial in interpreting treatment outcomes.
LDH levels can be significant biomarkers in treatment decisions.
Ipilimumab plus nivolumab is considered a potent treatment regimen.
Patient experience and clinical data inform treatment choices.
Future strategies may involve combining therapies for better outcomes.
Understanding the nuances of clinical trials is vital for practitioners.
Reimbursement discussions may hinge on the findings of such studies.
Sound Bites
"I don't understand the statistics and the principles behind it."
"It's an accepted methodology, I think is the first thing to say."
"It's a reasonable exercise."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Rapid Fire Questions
06:49 Understanding Indirect Treatment Comparison
11:55 Comparison of Nevolumab Plus Relatlimab vs. Nevolumab Plus Ipilimumab
14:40 LDH as a Biomarker in Melanoma
20:28 Benefit of Ipnevo for BRAF Mutated Patients
23:17 Considerations for Targeted Therapy Before Immunotherapy
Ep 48: CM 067 Final, 10-year analysis with Jedd Wolchok
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 34 min
Summary
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel engage with Jed Wolchok, a prominent figure in oncology, to discuss his journey into the field, the evolution of immunotherapy, particularly the Checkmate 67 trial, and the long-term outcomes for melanoma patients. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration in clinical trials, the significance of understanding treatment decisions, and the future of melanoma treatment with a focus on biomarkers and patient follow-up. The discussion also reflects on the profound impact of Checkmate 67 on patient care and the oncology community.
Keywords
melanoma, immunotherapy, Checkmate 67, oncology, patient outcomes, long-term follow-up, biomarkers, cancer treatment, clinical trials, survivorship
Takeaways
Jed Wolchok's journey into oncology was influenced by family experiences with cancer.
The Checkmate 67 trial was a pivotal moment in melanoma treatment.
Collaboration among researchers is crucial for successful clinical trials.
Long-term follow-up data from Checkmate 67 shows promising outcomes for patients.
Understanding residual abnormalities in imaging is essential for treatment decisions.
The need for biomarkers to assess immune system activation is critical.
Patient follow-up strategies should be tailored to individual needs.
The impact of Checkmate 67 extends beyond melanoma to other cancers.
The evolution of immunotherapy has changed the landscape of cancer treatment.
Mentorship and collaboration are key to advancing oncology research.
Titles
Reflections on a Career in Oncology
The Impact of Checkmate 67 on Oncology
Sound Bites
"This is something that we need to be doing."
"We need to incorporate the symptomatic meaning."
"Not every residual area of abnormality is cancer."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Melanoma Matters and Guest Background
03:25 Journey into Oncology and Early Influences
06:26 The Evolution of Immunotherapy: Checkmate 67
09:14 The Significance of Phase One Trials
12:25 Long-term Outcomes and Implications of Checkmate 67
15:09 Understanding Treatment Responses and Patient Management
18:06 The Future of Oncology: Biomarkers and Precision Medicine
21:19 Survivorship and Patient Follow-up Strategies
24:21 Reflections on the Impact of Checkmate 67
27:24 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments
Ep 55: VIBE Intro - Give Us Your Feedback
Melanoma Matters
12/12/24 • 3 min
In this episode we are calling VIBE - Voicing Interesting Bits from Everyone - we want to hear from YOU!
We've opened an email address to field your questions, concerns, feedback and input.
While we cannot answer specific patient case questions, this is a great forum to clarify any questions around the data. Our plan is to record an episode discussing the questions we receive.
Ep 46: Cemiplimab + Fianlimab (first report)
Melanoma Matters
10/14/24 • 24 min
Summary
*Warning* with apologies! There is a change in sound at 11:11 mark that might necessitate a lower volume output.
Hosts James Larkin has a beef with the first word of the cemiplimab + fianlimab JCO publication. He's living vicariously through Sapna's snowboarding plans for the season (if the record high temps ever stop). They continue to struggle with Farenheit to Centrigrade conversion.
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James and Sapna discuss the recent publication on cemiplimab and fianlimab, focusing on their efficacy in various patient cohorts, particularly those who are PD-1 naive. They discuss if all LAG-3 antibodies are created equal, and one host is busted for not reading the Supplementary Appendix to the publication.
Keywords
melanoma, cemiplimab, fianlimab, LAG-3, PD-1, cancer therapy, clinical trials, efficacy, adverse events, immunotherapy
Takeaways
- Objective response rates are promising in various cohorts.
- Semiplimab and Thiamlimab show efficacy in PD-1 naive patients.
- The study highlights the need for larger randomized trials.
- Comparative efficacy of LAG-3 therapies remains to be seen.
- Adverse events like infusion reactions are noteworthy.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of ongoing research.
- Understanding patient selection criteria is crucial for interpreting results.
- The hosts discuss the implications of the findings for future treatments.
- There is excitement about the potential of these new therapies.
- The episode underscores the evolving landscape of melanoma treatment.
- ALWAYS READ THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPENDIX
Titles
Understanding LAG-3 Therapies in Melanoma
The Promise of LAG-3 in Advanced Melanoma
Sound Bites
"Objective response rate in all these cohorts looks good"
"This is a paper about a novel (anti) LAG- 3 + PD-1 combination"
"The objective response rate is topping 50%"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:56 Discussion on Cemiplimab and Fianlimab
07:48 Exploring Phase One Trial Data
10:56 Comparative Analysis of LAG-3 Therapies
11:11 *Warning* Volume / Sound Change
14:16 Understanding Patient Cohorts and Response Rates
16:50 Comparative Analysis of Treatment Options
20:10 Safety and Adverse Effects of New Combinations
23:11 Future Trials with This Combination
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FAQ
How many episodes does Melanoma Matters have?
Melanoma Matters currently has 67 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 61: Guest Inge Marie Svane' 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.
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