Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
Melanoma Matters

Melanoma Matters

Melanoma Matters Pod

From the UK to the USA - Melanoma Matters is on a mission! Hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel are spreading the word on melanoma, one podcast at a time. Tune in for a critical review of the literature and a discussion of how we incorporate the data into our practices...across the pond(s). #MelanomaMatters video podcast
profile image

1 Listener

Share icon

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.

Melanoma Matters - Ep 02: RELATIVITY-047

Ep 02: RELATIVITY-047

Melanoma Matters

play

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

profile image

1 Listener

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Melanoma Matters - Ep 61: Guest Inge Marie Svane
play

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

profile image

1 Listener

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Melanoma Matters - Ep 42: RELATIVITY 020

Ep 42: RELATIVITY 020

Melanoma Matters

play

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

profile image

1 Listener

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Melanoma Matters - Ep 01: CheckMate-067

Ep 01: CheckMate-067

Melanoma Matters

play

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

profile image

1 Listener

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Melanoma Matters - Ep 03: CheckMate-204

Ep 03: CheckMate-204

Melanoma Matters

play

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

profile image

1 Listener

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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

profile image

1 Listener

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Melanoma Matters - Ep 36: Indirect comparison CM 067 v RELA 047
play

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

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Melanoma Matters - Ep 55: VIBE Intro - Give Us Your Feedback
play

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.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Melanoma Matters - Ep 46: Cemiplimab + Fianlimab (first report)
play

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

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Show more best episodes

Toggle view more icon

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.

Show more FAQ

Toggle view more icon

Comments