Can radiation restore immunotherapy response in metastatic melanoma refractory to checkpoint inhibitors: An institutional experience in salvaging immunotherapy resistant disease

Mohannad Alhumaid; Deepak Dinakaran; Michael Smylie; John Walker; Kurian Joseph

doi:10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109712

Can radiation restore immunotherapy response in metastatic melanoma refractory to checkpoint inhibitors: An institutional experience in salvaging immunotherapy resistant disease

Radiother Oncol. 2023 Aug:185:109712. doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109712. Epub 2023 May 11.

Authors

Mohannad Alhumaid¹, Deepak Dinakaran¹, Michael Smylie², John Walker², Kurian Joseph³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
² Division of Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
³ Division of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address: kurian.joseph@albertahealthservices.ca.

PMID: 37178931
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109712

Abstract

Melanoma is an immunogenically active tumor with abundantly expressed lymphoid infiltration. Immunotherapy(IO) has proven as a promising treatment option for melanoma but treatment resistance remains as an issue in the majority of patients.There is emerging evidence that radiotherapy (RT) could modulate the tumor microenvironment, increase antigen presentation, and augment adaptive antitumor immunity. Our objective is to evaluate overall treatment response and safety in patients with metastatic melanoma who progressed while on IO, and were treated with RT concurrently with IO for progressive sites.

Keywords: Concurrent radiotherapy; Immunotherapy; Metastatic melanoma; Palliative radiotherapy; Targeted therapy.

MeSH terms

Combined Modality Therapy
Humans
Immunotherapy
Melanoma*
Tumor Microenvironment