During the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), NYU Langone Medical Center and its Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center will present nearly 30 abstracts. The leading 8 abstracts are focused on melanoma, with several presentations derived from multi-institutional studies. State-of-the-art research to be presented includes:
“Immunologic Profile of Melanoma Brain Metastases (MBM) in Patients with Prolonged Survival”
Results from this study showed that radiotherapy can induce the activation of lymphocytes, as well as the suppression of the immune system. Patients that have brain metastases have greater activation signatures. The identification of these patients could aid in the prediction and prognosis of immunotherapeutic responses.
“The Expression Quantitative trait Loci (eQTLs) and Their Association with Melanoma Clinical Outcomes”
In this study researchers were able to identify genetic markers affecting melanoma’s immune response. The results suggested that patients’ genetic background affects cancer prognosis.
“The Effect of Ipilimumab on Natural Killer Cells Identifies the Subset of Advanced Melanoma Patients with Clinical Response”
Results from this study showed an effect of ipilimumab on the phenotype of NK cells, with an increase of IL-2R expression,and good clinical outcomes. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear, with researchers indicating it could be related with an indirect activation through the action of ipiplumab on other immune cells.
“De Novo Versus Nevus-Associated Melanomas: Differences in Associations with Prognostic Indicators and Survival”
Results from this study indicate that melanomas that arise suddenly may be more aggressive than those appearing from prior moles, with a difference in their molecular pathogenesis.
“Extended Follow-up Results of Phase Ib Study (BRIM7) of Vemurafenib (VEM) with cobimetinib (COBI) in BRAF-mutant Melanoma”
This research showed Cobimetinib and Vemurafenib are effective in BRAF inhibitor-naive patients, with results showing the Median overall survival in BRAF inhibitor-naive patients is higher than two years.
“Our clinical and research community is proud that so many of our colleagues will be presenting and involved in ASCO 2015,’ said in a recent news release Benjamin G. Neel, MD, PhD, Director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone. “What is most impressive is that our research covers a diverse array of topics, all of them critical areas in which we hope to lead further research into improving diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.”
