BACKGROUND: Single-agent or combination chemotherapy regimens have not impacted the short median survival of patients with metastatic melanoma, and complete or durable responses are rare. Biologic response modifiers (interferon and interleukin-2) have produced durable remissions in a small cohort of patients, and phase II trials of biochemotherapy suggest more benefit. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the status of the current treatments of metastatic melanoma focusing on biochemotherapy. RESULTS: Regimens include both sequential and concurrent approaches for inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Overall response rates in phase II trials are 40% to 60% with complete responses of 10% to 20% and median survivals in the 11- to 12-month range. Modifications of concurrent biochemotherapy regimens have maintained efficacy and reduced toxicity. Small phase III trials suggest a survival advantage of biochemotherapy (P=.05). CONCLUSIONS: Biochemotherapy remains a promising new treatment for metastatic melanoma. A large Intergroup trial E3695 comparing concurrent biochemotherapy to combination chemotherapy alone is powered to answer important survival questions.
BACKGROUND: Single-agent or combination chemotherapy regimens have not impacted the short median survival of patients with metastatic melanoma, and complete or durable responses are rare. Biologic response modifiers (interferon and interleukin-2) have produced durable remissions in a small cohort of patients, and phase II trials of biochemotherapy suggest more benefit. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the status of the current treatments of metastatic melanoma focusing on biochemotherapy. RESULTS: Regimens include both sequential and concurrent approaches for inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Overall response rates in phase II trials are 40% to 60% with complete responses of 10% to 20% and median survivals in the 11- to 12-month range. Modifications of concurrent biochemotherapy regimens have maintained efficacy and reduced toxicity. Small phase III trials suggest a survival advantage of biochemotherapy (P=.05). CONCLUSIONS: Biochemotherapy remains a promising new treatment for metastatic melanoma. A large Intergroup trial E3695 comparing concurrent biochemotherapy to combination chemotherapy alone is powered to answer important survival questions.
Authors: Ritu Aneja; Seneshaw Asress; Neerupma Dhiman; Anshumali Awasthi; Padmashree C G Rida; Sudarshan K Arora; Jun Zhou; Jonathan D Glass; Harish C Joshi Journal: Int J Cancer Date: 2010-01-01 Impact factor: 7.396
Authors: Marta Batus; Salman Waheed; Carl Ruby; Lindsay Petersen; Steven D Bines; Howard L Kaufman Journal: Am J Clin Dermatol Date: 2013-06 Impact factor: 7.403
Authors: Bret Taback; Steven J O'Day; Peter D Boasberg; Sherry Shu; Patricia Fournier; Robert Elashoff; He-Jing Wang; Dave S B Hoon Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst Date: 2004-01-21 Impact factor: 13.506