PD-1 blockade in classic and endemic Kaposi’s sarcoma
Pembrolizumab shows promising anti-tumour activity in patients with classic and endemic Kaposi’s sarcoma, early research shows.
A French proof-of-concept, phase 2 trial in 30 adults with histologically proven classic or endemic Kaposi’s sarcoma with progressive cutaneous extension requiring systemic treatment administered 200 mg pembrolizumab intravenously every 3 weeks for 6 months (eight cycles) or until severe toxicity.
It found a best overall response rate of 71% – 12% with a complete response and 59% with a partial response.
Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 76% of patients but there were no serious adverse events or treatment-related deaths.
“If this result is supported by further studies, treatment with anti-PD-1 could be part of the therapeutic armamentarium for patients with classic and endemic Kaposi’s sarcoma,” the authors concluded.
Read more in The Lancet Oncology
Radiotherapy option for melanoma adrenal mets
Radiotherapy for melanoma adrenal metastasis is effective and deliverable and could push surgery to a salvage treatment, Australian clinicians say.
A Melbourne study found 20 of 23 adrenal lesions (87%) had an initial response to treatment such as stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy with 12 (60%) maintaining local control until death or end of follow-up.
Median adrenal-specific progression-free survival was 13 months and four patients (17%) required salvage adrenalectomy.