Melanoma Matters

James & Sapna sent a brief message from ASCO 2026 about what they are looking forward to hearing at the meeting.

OptimUM-02

ADAM

KN-942

Neoadjuvant pilot studies

... and more

SummaryThe conversation covers the published data from the IGNYTE study - RP1 + nivolumab: response rate and safety profile, RNA-seq analysis, and toxicity. The key takeaways include insights into clinical trial interpretation and treatment efficacy (and incorrect graphs).Takeaways

• Clinical Trial Data
• Treatment Efficacy

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to IGNYTE Study
• 14:04 Response Rate and Safety Profile
• 25:17 RNA-seq Analysis and Toxicity

Summary

Happy Holidays and Festive Season Everyone!

In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James reflect on their "cultural" experiences over the past year, discussing movies, music, books, plays, and television shows. They share personal anecdotes about memorable trips, culinary highlights, gym feats, and their podcasting journey, while also looking ahead to their goals and aspirations for 2026.

Keywords

movies, music, books, plays, television, travel, culinary, podcast, goals, aspirations, Happy Holidays, 2025, reflections, best

Takeaways

"Culture"

James and Sapna read a lot of books.

Theatrical performances can be a delightful family experience - James highly recommends Matilda.

There is lots of television watching on both sides of the pond.

Traveling memories in 2025.

Culinary adventures include Ottolenghi in Richmond.

Podcasting is fun when you do it with your best friend.

Chapters

00:00 Festive Reflections and Year-End Special

02:50 Movies and Theater Experiences

09:32 Books he read & bought for others to read

12:29 Books she read or audio'ed

15:56 TV shows we watched in 2025

20:38 Travel Highlights of the Year

22:50 Culinary Adventures and Memorable Meals

24:28 Podcast Highlights and Notable Guests

32:34 Gym Goalz & PBs

Summary

In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James awaits an invitation to a film premiere (The Penguin Lessons) and we all await a picture of him in his tuxedo! Sapna and James go on to discuss the 5-year outcomes of studies such as coBRIM, COMBI-d, and how those compare to 5-year benchmarks from the COLUMBUS study. They explore subgroups and characteristics of favorable (and durable) response, the role of MEK inhibitors on immune activation, and a potential fellow's project (looking at you, Rob?).

Keywords

Melanoma, targeted therapy, co-BRIM, COMBI-d, COLUMBUS, immunotherapy, BRAF MEK inhibitors, overall survival, progression-free survival, patient outcomes, cohorts, LDH, organ sites

Takeaways

MEK inhibitors have a complex role in immune response.

Normal LDH levels correlate with better patient outcomes.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy can have overlapping patient populations.

Sound Bites

"We thought we'd do more targeted therapy"

"Normal LDH is doing better."

"Long-term follow-up for targeted therapy."

Chapters

00:00 Will he or won't he ... James awaits invitation to film premiere

04:26 coBRIM 5y FU

11:56 COMBI-d 5y FU

13:19 LDH subgroups

17:26 Normal LDH & <3 organ sites of metastasis

18:07 Invalid analysis & graph ... tsk tsk NEJM

22:36 Fact Check

22:40 What's the color of James' t-shirt?

25:34 Five-Year Results of BRAF Targeted Therapies

28:37 Cure Potential of Adjuvant Targeted Therapy

31:34 MEK Inhibition and Immune Activation

Enjoy this short trailer on MEK inhibitor monotherapy trials in melanoma

Summary

So many shoutouts in this episode of Melanoma Matters!

Sapna and James engage in a lively discussion about MEK inhibitors as monotherapy treatment. They explore the METRIC, NEMO, and pimasertib trials, and discuss side effects associated with this class of therapy. Sapna clears her own confusion regarding the PDUFA date for the NEMO study, and James objects to the way the NEMO abbreviation was derived.

Keywords

targeted therapy, MEK inhibitors, METRIC, NEMO, pimasertib, NRAS, BRAF, melanoma, oncology, side effects, clinical trials, drug approval, patient care, cancer treatment, Owen, Dave Solit, Tom Newsom-Davis, Peter Hill

Takeaways

Targeted therapy is an important area of focus in oncology.

MEK inhibitors have been in development for over 15 years.

The NEMO trial aimed to evaluate binimetinib for NRAS mutant melanoma.

PFS as a primary endpoint in clinical trials.

Side effects of MEK inhibitors.

The NEMO trial faced challenges in gaining FDA approval despite positive results.

Sound Bites

"What gets you to an ASCO?"

Chapters

00:00 Can we get James to go shirtless (req fr Owen the Trainer)

04:28 MEK inhibitor trials

07:40 Dave Solit is handsome

09:50 Side Effects of MEK Inhibitors

10:52 Shoutout to Tom Newsom-Davis

12:29 Ocular Toxicity and Patient Management

16:25 METRIC study

19:33 NEMO trial

27:16 NEMO and the fate of its PDUFA date

29:03 Pimasertib: A New Player in NRAS Mutant Melanoma

34:31 Shoutout to Peter Hill & what is the #1 cause of rhabdo in Central London

Summary

In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel engage with Merrick Ross, a seasoned surgical oncologist, discussing his background, the evolution of surgical practice with regards to melanoma treatment, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. They explore innovations in neoadjuvant therapy, the critical role of pathology in treatment decisions, and the future directions of surgical approaches in metastatic melanoma. They discuss the need for continuous adaptation and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of melanoma treatment.

Keywords

melanoma, surgical oncology, neoadjuvant therapy, multidisciplinary care, pathology, metastatic melanoma, melanoma treatment, melanoma surgery, immunotherapy, clinical trials

Takeaways

Merrick Ross shares his journey from Chicago to surgical oncology.

Surgery for melanoma has evolved from a primary modality to a multimodal approach.

The importance of collaboration between surgical oncologists and medical oncologists is emphasized.

Neoadjuvant therapy is seen as a promising area for future research and treatment.

Ultrasound imaging is more effective than cross-sectional imaging for assessing nodal basins.

The role of pathology is crucial in understanding treatment responses and guiding future therapy.

Surgical decisions should be tailored based on individual patient responses and disease characteristics.

The need for less aggressive surgical interventions is highlighted as treatment evolves.

Merrick emphasizes the importance of understanding tumor biology in surgical decision-making.

The conversation underscores the collaborative nature of modern melanoma treatment.

Sound Bites

"We need to loop in the pathologist."

"Surgery has evolved over time."

"The decision to be aggressive or not is complex."

Chapters

00:00 Merrick's upbringing

06:30 Evolution of Surgical Oncology for Melanoma

12:44 The Role of Sentinel Node Biopsy

18:35 Merrick waxes sentimental about neoadjuvant therapy

24:47 Collaboration Collaboration Collaboration

26:46 The Role of Pathology in Treatment Decisions

36:41 Surgical Considerations in Immunotherapy

39:44 A lovely closing anecdote about Merrick

Summary

In this Episode, hosts James & Sapna go into the 7-year follow-up from the randomized phase 3 adjuvant trial of pembrolizumab versus placebo for stage III melanoma, KEYNOTE-054

There's a bit too much talk about weightlifting though...

Summary

In this (longest to-date) episode, James and Sapna delve into the not-so-rare occurence of immune-mediated myocarditis, particularly in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The hosts discuss grading systems, management strategies, and the challenges of diagnosing and treating myocarditis. They emphasize the importance of close follow-up and the need for collaboration with cardiologists.

Keywords

myocarditis, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cardiology, personalized treatment, grading systems

Takeaways

• Grading systems for myocarditis are essential but can be blunt tools.
• Personalized treatment approaches are crucial for managing myocarditis.
• Collaboration with cardiologists is vital for effective management.
• High-dose steroids are often the first line of treatment for myocarditis.
• There is a need for more prospective data on myocarditis management.
• Ruxolitinib and abatacept are potential second-line treatments.
• Monitoring troponin levels can help assess treatment effectiveness.
• The role of immunosuppressive drugs in myocarditis is still being studied.
• Early involvement of cardiologists can improve patient outcomes.
• Understanding the biology of myocarditis can lead to better treatment strategies.

Summary

In this Part 2 Best of ESMO 2025 episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel cover the IO Biotech phase 3 trial, Checkmate 238 final results, the Safe Stop trial, the ECOG-ACRIN STAMP trial for Merkel cell carcinoma, and a promising TCR therapy for uveal melanoma.

Keywords

melanoma, cancer research, immunotherapy, clinical trials, ESMO, IO Biotech, Checkmate 238, Safe Stop trial, STAMP trial, uveal melanoma

Takeaways

The IO Biotech trial missed its primary endpoint for PFS.

Checkmate 238 confirmed previous findings on RFS and DMFS.

The Safe Stop trial suggests early discontinuation of therapy may be safe.

STAMP trial shows potential for adjuvant pembrolizumab in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Uveal melanoma TCR therapy shows promise.

Understanding subgroup analysis in interpreting trial results.

Patient management decisions should consider trial limitations and real-world implications.

Chapters

00:00 Travel Tips and Strategies

04:43 IO Biotech Phase 3 Trial Insights

12:00 Checkmate 238 Discussion

13:10 Navigating Publication Challenges

13:59 Checkmate 238 Results

15:58 Late Relapses and Follow-Up Strategies

17:57 Time of Day of Infusion

20:50 Safe Stop Trial: Evaluating Treatment Duration

33:12 STAMP Trial: Adjuvant Therapy for Merkel Cell Carcinoma

35:05 IMA-203 (Anzu-cel) trial in uveal melanoma