Feature

Harnessing new data on immunotherapies


 

Immunotherapies once again took center stage at the 2015 annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology in Chicago, though many other groundbreaking clinical advances were also presented. The meeting’s theme, “Illumination and innovation: transforming data into learning,” captured the current focus, by both researchers and practicing oncologists, on the importance of being able to draw on new and enticing data and use it as the basis for improving the care of and outcomes for cancer patients.

CheckMate 067: Two immunotherapies better than one for advanced melanoma
Key clinical point Nivolumab alone or combined with ipilimumab significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rates (ORRs), compared with ipilimumab alone in previously untreated metastatic melanoma. Major finding Median PFS was 11.5 months with nivolumab plus ipilimumab, 6.9 months with nivolumab, and 2.9 months with ipilimumab. Data source Phase 3, double-blind randomized trial in 945 patients with previously untreated metastatic melanoma. Disclosures Bristol-Myers Squibb funded the trial. Dr Wolchok reported financial relationships with several firms including research funding from and consulting or advising for Bristol-Myers Squibb…

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