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Thach-Giao Truong, MD is a medical professional at the Cleveland Clinic. Here are some key points about him:
- Professional Affiliation:
- Thach-giao Truong, MD is the medical director of the Melanoma Program at the Cleveland Clinic.
- Research and Publications:
- He has been involved in research, particularly in the field of melanoma treatment. One notable study is the phase 2 ImmunoCobiVem trial (NCT02902029), which investigates the early switch from targeted therapy to immunotherapy in patients with advanced BRAF V600-positive melanoma.
- Immunotherapy Advancements:
- Dr. Truong discusses new immunotherapy treatments, including personalized immunotherapy for melanoma patients who have progressed on prior therapies. This personalized treatment is unique as it is indeed derived directly from the patients' own tumors.
- Discussion on Treatment Options:
- In a discussion, Dr. Truong and another medical professional,Greg Smith,MD,talked about the use of nivolumab/relatlimab (opdualag) versus ipilimumab/nivolumab. They noted that insurance coverage can sometimes be a barrier to accessing newer drugs like nivolumab/relatlimab, as it may not be included in some formularies.
- International Approval:
- The European Medicines Agency has approved nivolumab/relatlimab, but several European countries have either not approved it or approved it conditionally. Switzerland and the Netherlands have approved it under specific conditions.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
Table of Contents
In the ever-evolving landscape of cancer treatment, immunotherapy has emerged as a beacon of hope for patients with metastatic melanoma. Recent discussions among oncologists have shed light on the optimal use of combination therapies, particularly focusing on the duration and sequencing of treatments. Here, we delve into the insights shared by Dr. Truong and Dr. Tareq Al Baghdadi on the use of nivolumab/relatlimab and ipilimumab/nivolumab in the treatment of melanoma.
The Duration of Nivolumab/Relatlimab Therapy
One of the critical questions in the treatment regimen is the duration of nivolumab/relatlimab therapy. The RELATIVITY-047 study provides a framework for understanding the efficacy of this combination therapy.Though, Dr. Truong emphasizes that the treatment duration is often extrapolated from the KEYNOTE-006 study, suggesting a 2-year mark for stopping the therapy.
“I do. At this point, I think everyone extrapolates from the KEYNOTE-006 data,” dr. Truong stated.
This approach aligns with the broader clinical practice, ensuring that patients receive the maximum benefit from the therapy while minimizing potential side effects.
Sequencing Immunotherapy in the Second-line Setting
When it comes to second-line immunotherapy, the choice between ipilimumab alone or in combination with nivolumab becomes crucial. According to Dr. Truong, the data from the S1616 trial indicates that ipilimumab/nivolumab is superior to ipilimumab alone in the second-line setting for refractory disease.
“I would say from S1616, because they compare ipilimumab in the second line vs ipilimumab/nivolumab, ipilimumab/nivolumab was superior,” Dr. Truong explained.
this suggestion is particularly relevant for patients who have shown resistance to PD-1 blockade therapies, underscoring the importance of combination therapies in overcoming treatment resistance.
Cost and Accessibility of Immunotherapy
The cost of combination therapies is a important concern for both patients and healthcare providers. Nivolumab/relatlimab, being a combination of two drugs, is notably more expensive than single-agent therapies. Dr. Al Baghdadi highlights the importance of pharmaceutical support in ensuring access to these life-saving treatments.
“If the insurance rejects [covering], I’ve never received a no from Bristol Myers Squibb. These drugs are made by Bristol Myers Squibb, and whenever I’ve had a no, even off label, I’d reach out and they’d give me the drug free,” Dr. Al Baghdadi shared.
This underscores the commitment of pharmaceutical companies to making immunotherapy accessible to patients, even in the face of insurance barriers.
Summary of Key Insights
| Key Insight | Details |
|————————————————–|————————————————————————-|
| Duration of Nivolumab/relatlimab | Extrapolated from KEYNOTE-006 data, typically 2 years |
| Second-Line Immunotherapy Choice | Ipilimumab/Nivolumab superior to ipilimumab alone (S1616 trial) |
| Cost and Accessibility | Pharmaceutical support available from Bristol Myers Squibb |
Conclusion
The insights from dr. Truong and Dr. Al Baghdadi provide valuable guidance for oncologists navigating the complex landscape of melanoma treatment. By understanding the optimal sequencing and duration of immunotherapy, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes and ensure that these life-saving treatments are accessible to those who need them most.
For more information on the latest studies and clinical trials, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving field of cancer immunotherapy.
Disclosure: Al Baghdadi previously reported an advisory role from AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Genentech; other participants had no known relevant disclosures.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cancer treatment,immunotherapy has emerged as a beacon of hope for patients with metastatic melanoma. Recent discussions among oncologists have shed light on the optimal use of combination therapies, especially focusing on the duration and sequencing of treatments. Here, we delve into the insights shared by Dr.Truong and Dr. tareq Al Baghdadi on the use of nivolumab/relatlimab and ipilimumab/nivolumab in the treatment of melanoma.
The Duration of Nivolumab/Relatlimab Therapy
One of the critical questions in the treatment regimen is the duration of nivolumab/relatlimab therapy.The RELATIVITY-047 study provides a framework for understanding the efficacy of this combination therapy. Though, Dr. Truong emphasizes that the treatment duration is frequently enough extrapolated from the KEYNOTE-006 study, suggesting a 2-year mark for stopping the therapy.
“I do. At this point, I think everyone extrapolates from the KEYNOTE-006 data,” dr. Truong stated.
This approach aligns with the broader clinical practice, ensuring that patients receive the maximum benefit from the therapy while minimizing potential side effects.
Sequencing Immunotherapy in the Second-line Setting
When it comes to second-line immunotherapy, the choice between ipilimumab alone or in combination with nivolumab becomes crucial. According to Dr. Truong, the data from the S1616 trial indicates that ipilimumab/nivolumab is superior to ipilimumab alone in the second-line setting for refractory disease.
“I would say from S1616, because they compare ipilimumab in the second line vs ipilimumab/nivolumab, ipilimumab/nivolumab was superior,” Dr. Truong explained.
this suggestion is particularly relevant for patients who have shown resistance to PD-1 blockade therapies, underscoring the importance of combination therapies in overcoming treatment resistance.
Cost and Accessibility of immunotherapy
The cost of combination therapies is a vital concern for both patients and healthcare providers. Nivolumab/relatlimab, being a combination of two drugs, is notably more expensive than single-agent therapies. Dr. Al Baghdadi highlights the importance of pharmaceutical support in ensuring access to these life-saving treatments.
“If the insurance rejects [covering], I’ve never received a no from Bristol Myers Squibb. These drugs are made by Bristol Myers Squibb, and whenever I’ve had a no, even off label, I’d reach out and they’d give me the drug free,” Dr.Al Baghdadi shared.
This underscores the commitment of pharmaceutical companies to making immunotherapy accessible to patients, even in the face of insurance barriers.
Summary of Key Insights
| Key Insight | Details |
|—————————————|————————————————-|
| Duration of Nivolumab/relatlimab | Extrapolated from KEYNOTE-006 data, typically 2 years |
| Second-Line Immunotherapy Choice | Ipilimumab/Nivolumab superior to ipilimumab alone (S1616 trial) |
| Cost and Accessibility | Pharmaceutical support available from Bristol Myers Squibb |
Conclusion
the insights from dr. Truong and Dr. Al Baghdadi provide valuable guidance for oncologists navigating the complex landscape of melanoma treatment. by understanding the optimal sequencing and duration of immunotherapy, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes and ensure that these life-saving treatments are accessible to those who need them most.
For more data on the latest studies and clinical trials, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving field of cancer immunotherapy.
Disclosure: Al Baghdadi previously reported an advisory role from AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Genentech; other participants had no known relevant disclosures..