Promising data for advanced melanoma patients
9 October 2019
Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) has presented promising data regarding progression-free survival rates for advanced melanoma patients at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2019 Congress in Barcelona.
The overall survival rate at 3 years on the combination treatment was 49%, on single therapy was 42%, and a final cohort – those patients who would usually have been excluded from clinical trials because of the severity of their brain metastases – was 19%, which is a significant increase in life expectancy for these patients.
Five-year survival rates from the longest-running phase III trial of combination immunotherapy in melanoma patients were also presented at ESMO. The overall survival for those patients on combination ipilimumab and nivolumab was 52%, with 36% of patients progression-free.
Also on display at ESMO were four posters from our researchers. Post-doctoral researcher Dr. Ines da Silva presented our findings on the overall survival of melanoma patients based on the pattern of their metastases, and was awarded the best poster presentation at ESMO. She found that patients with brain metastases and liver metastases lived for shorter periods than patients without melanoma in these sites. She also found that different metastatic sites were asociated with different patterns of further metastasis, indicating that patterns of metastasis may be another helpful factor in determining prognosis.
Medical oncology Fellow Dr. Adriana Hepner presented data on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy treatment after a patient has become resistant to combination immunotherapy. She found that giving patients immunotherapy again after they have already become resistant benefited a small subset of patients, although patients may have a recurrence of previous toxicities. This poster highlighted the need for further research into new and different treatments for these patients.
Medical oncologist and MIA PhD student Dr. Kazi Nahar's, presented her work on the characteristics of one of the major immune-related toxicities caused by immunotherapy treatment – colitis, or inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. She found that combination immunotherapy - while being highly effective for many melanoma patients - was more likely to cause earlier onset and more severe colitis in melanoma patients that also seems to be more resistant to steroid treatment.
Finally, PhD student Hansol Lee presented a poster that discussed the role of a type of immune cell called macrophages, on response to combination immunotherapy. He found that patients who responded to treatment had more macrophages within their tumour before they began treatment, and a higher amount of a particular subset of macrophages is associated with a significantly better overall response and progression-free survival rate.
Australasian Melanoma Conference AMC2021
The 2021 Australasian Melanoma Conference (AMC2021) will held in Sydney, Australia.
Sharing our knowledge of melanoma on the global stage
As leaders in the field of melanoma, clinicians and researchers from MIA will be sharing their knowledge at the virtual 10th World Congress of Melanoma.
Melanoma patients and their families urged to speak up and put national spotlight on melanoma.
Melanoma patients and their carers are being urged to participate in a ground-breaking survey which will shape the future of melanoma treatment, research, support and funding in Australia.
An inspiring WA Melanoma Community Forum
There was a wonderful feeling of community support amongst the melanoma patients, families and friends at the WA Melanoma Community Form.
Family of 8-year-old with melanoma calls on all Australians to step up to help save lives
The Price family has decided to share their story to inspire Australians to support research into new melanoma treatments.
Rethinking skin surveillance for high-risk melanoma patients
New research has provided evidence in favour of a structured skin surveillance program for high-risk melanoma patients.
Australia's oldest melanoma survivor steps up to save lives on his 105th birthday
Melanoma research saved Bert's life at 101 and now he wants to give back.
Predicting disease spread in thin melanoma
A new MIA online risk calculator for clinicians can determine the likelihood of thin melanoma spreading.
Exploring our own clinical questions through MIA's new trials initiative
MIA has recently established a new division of our Clinical Trials Program which co-ordinates and manages investigator-led multi-centre trials.
Young researchers awarded Fellowships to pursue innovative treatments for melanoma
Two young researchers from MIA and The University of Sydney awarded Cancer Institute NSW fellowships.
Young researchers receive boost to develop innovative treatment for melanoma
Two young researchers from MIA and The University of Sydney awarded Cancer Institute NSW fellowships.
Launch of Melanoma March 2021
Aussies urged to leave their footprint on melanoma as efforts step up to save lives from the disease.
Olivia Vivian announced as MIA ambassador
Olivia is using her Ninja star power to shine a spotlight on melanoma prevention - in memory of her dad.
Melanoma breakthrough - neoadjuvant treatment saving lives.
Drug treatment before surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy, is being hailed as one of the biggest breakthroughs in melanoma treatment since the advent of immunotherapy.
Melanoma breakthrough - neoadjuvant therapy saving lives.
Drug treatment before surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy, is being hailed as one of the biggest breakthroughs in melanoma treatment since the advent of immunotherapy.
Are cancer patients on immunotherapy at a greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection?
New research, led by MIA, has revealed that cancer patients treated with immunotherapy are not at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection compared to other cancer patients.
Are cancer patients on immunotherapy at a greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection?
New research, led by MIA, has revealed that cancer patients treated with immunotherapy are not at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection compared to other cancer patients.
A message to all Australians from melanoma patient Stuart Taylor
Stuart has advanced melanoma which is not responding to treatment. He has shared his story on ABC's 7:30 in the hope that others can escape the same fate.
Olivia Vivian nominates MIA as Charity Partner on Channel 9's Celebrity Apprentice.
A Ninja Warrior legend and Olympic gymnast, Olivia knows first hand the devastating impact of melanoma.
It's 'Game On Mole' this summer!
All Australians are urged to join the fight against melanoma this summer.