Clinical versus Histological Assessment of Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtype and Thickness of Tumours Selected for Photodynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy is an approved treatment for primary, superficial, and small nodular basal cell carcinomas with a thickness of < 2 mm located on low-risk sites. Histologically verified basal cell carcinomas clinically assessed as suited for photodynamic therapy were included. The study aimed to investigate the agreement between clinical and histological assessments of basal cell carcinoma subtypes and thickness of tumours selected for photodynamic therapy with histopathological evaluation as a reference. A total of 343 tumours were included. The agreement between clinical and histological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma subtype was 72% (p < 0.001). Clinical assessment of subtype had a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 55% for superficial tumours and a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 85% for nodular tumours. The mean ± SD thickness values by clinical and histological assessments were 0.95 ± 0.53 and 0.86 ± 0.75. The difference of 0.09 mm was statistically significant (p = 0.017), but not considered to be clinically relevant, although the differences between specific subgroups could be relevant. Among basal cell carcinomas clinically diagnosed as superficial, 91% were histologically consistent with the current photodynamic therapy criteria. The main results suggest that histopathological evaluation should precede photodynamic therapy to ensure selection of suitable basal cell carcinomas. In selected cases, the clinical diagnosis alone may be adequate before proceeding with photodynamic therapy.

Case report: Is severe toxicity the price to pay for high sensitivity to checkpoint inhibitors immunotherapy in desmoplastic melanoma?

Background: Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a rare subtype of melanoma characterized by high immunogenicity which makes it particularly suitable for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment. Case presentation: We report the case of a 53-year-old man with metastatic DM successfully treated with the combination of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, who developed serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The primary tumor was characterized by absent PD-L1 expression and no-brisk lymphocytes infiltration. NGS showed absence of BRAF mutation, a high tumor mutational burden, and an UV-induced DNA damage signature. Metastatic lesions regressed rapidly after few cycles of ICIs until complete response, however the patient developed serious irAEs including hypothyroidism, adrenal deficiency, and acute interstitial nephritis which led to the definitive suspension of treatment. Currently, the patient has normal renal functionality and no disease relapse after 26 months from starting immunotherapy, and after 9 months from its definitive suspension. Conclusion: Efficacy and toxicity are two sides of the same coin of high sensitivity to ICIs in DM. For this reason, these patients should be closely monitored during ICIs therapy to promptly identify serious side effects and to correctly manage them.

In vitro modeling of recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Assessment of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low-grade malignant tumor of the dermis with a high recurrence rate post-surgery. Current treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, have limitations. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a promising non-invasive approach, but its efficacy in DFSP treatment remains underexplored. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of 5-ALA PDT using an in vitro model derived from a recurrent DFSP patient. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of 5-ALA and exposed to red light, followed by assessments of cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and expression of DFSP-related genes and proteins. RESULTS: 5-ALA PDT significantly reduced DFSP cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. It also effectively inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as suppressed angiogenic activity in conditioned media. Furthermore, 5-ALA PDT downregulated the expression of COL1A1 and PDGFRB, key genes in DFSP pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide the first evidence of 5-ALA PDT's in vitro anti-tumor efficacy against DFSP, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic approach for DFSP. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical utility of 5-ALA PDT in preventing DFSP recurrence.

Cost-effectiveness of treating advanced melanoma with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes based on an international randomized phase 3 clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: In a multicenter, open-label randomized phase 3 clinical trial conducted in the Netherlands and Denmark, treatment with ex vivo-expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL-NKI/CCIT) from autologous melanoma tumor compared with ipilimumab improved progression-free survival in patients with unresectable stage IIIC-IV melanoma after failure of first-line or second-line treatment. Based on this trial, we conducted a cost-utility analysis. METHODS: A Markov decision model was constructed to estimate expected costs (expressed in 2021€) and outcomes (quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)) of TIL-NKI/CCIT versus ipilimumab in the Netherlands. The Danish setting was assessed in a scenario analysis. A modified societal perspective was applied over a lifetime horizon. TIL-NKI/CCIT production costs were estimated via activity-based costing. Through sensitivity analyses, uncertainties and their impact on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were assessed. RESULTS: Mean total undiscounted lifetime benefits were 4.47 life years (LYs) and 3.52 QALYs for TIL-NKI/CCIT and 3.33 LYs and 2.46 QALYs for ipilimumab. Total lifetime undiscounted costs in the Netherlands were €347,168 for TIL-NKI/CCIT (including €67,547 for production costs) compared with €433,634 for ipilimumab. Undiscounted lifetime cost in the Danish scenario were €337,309 and €436,135, respectively. This resulted in a dominant situation for TIL-NKI/CCIT compared with ipilimumab in both countries, meaning incremental QALYs were gained at lower costs. Survival probabilities, and utility in progressive disease affected the ICER most. CONCLUSION: Based on the data of a randomized phase 3 trial, treatment with TIL-NKI/CCIT in patients with unresectable stage IIIC-IV melanoma is cost-effective and cost-saving, both in the current Dutch and Danish setting. These findings led to inclusion of TIL-NKI/CCIT as insured care and treatment guidelines. Publicly funded development of the TIL-NKI/CCIT cell therapy shows realistic promise to further explore development of effective personalized treatment while warranting economic sustainability of healthcare systems.

Immunohistochemistry assessment of tissue neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts outcomes in melanoma patients treated with anti-programmed cell death 1 therapy.

Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with diminished immunotherapy response in metastatic melanoma. Although NLR assessment in peripheral blood is established, tissue dynamics remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate tissue NLR (tNLR)'s predictive potential through immunohistochemistry in immunotherapy-treated melanoma. Fifty melanoma patients who underwent anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) therapy were assessed. Hematological, clinical and tumor features were collected from medical records. Responses were categorized using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors for immunotherapy (iRECIST) guidelines. Immunohistochemistry for tumor-infiltrating T cells (cluster differentiation 3) and neutrophils (myeloperoxidase) was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples. NLR, derived NLR (dNLR) and tNLR were calculated. Overall survival (OS) and survival following immunotherapy (SFI) were calculated from diagnosis or immunotherapy start to loss of follow-up or death. Patients with high tNLR presented improved OS ( P =  0.038) and SFI with anti-PD-1 therapy ( P =  0.006). Both NLR and dNLR were associated with OS ( P =  0.038 and P =  0.046, respectively) and SFI ( P =  0.001 and P =  0.019, respectively). NLR was also associated with immunotherapy response ( P =  0.007). In conclusion, tNLR emerged as a novel potential biomarker of enhanced survival post anti-PD-1 therapy, in contrast to classical NLR and dNLR markers.

Decoding the synergistic potential of MAZ-51 and zingerone as therapy for melanoma treatment in alignment with sustainable development goals.

Melanoma, an invasive class of skin cancer, originates from mutations in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells. Globally, approximately 132,000 new cases are reported each year, and in South Africa, the incidence stands at 2.7 per 100,000 people, signifying a worrisome surge in melanoma rates. Therefore, there is a need to explore treatment modalities that will target melanoma's signalling pathways. Melanoma metastasis is aided by ligand activity of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1), vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) which bind to their receptors and promote tumour cell survival, lymphangiogenesis and chemotaxis. (3-(4-dimethylaminonaphthelen-1-ylmethylene)-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one) MAZ-51 is an indolinone-based molecule that inhibits VEGF-C induced phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3). Despite the successful use of conventional cancer therapies, patients endure adverse side effects and cancer drug resistance. Moreover, conventional therapies are toxic to the environment and caregivers. The use of medicinal plants and their phytochemical constituents in cancer treatment strategies has become more widespread because of the rise in drug resistance and the development of unfavourable side effects. Zingerone, a phytochemical derived from ginger exhibits various pharmacological properties positioning it as a promising candidate for cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of melanoma biology and the intracellular signalling pathways promoting cell survival, proliferation and adhesion. There is a need to align health and environmental objectives within sustainable development goals 3 (good health and well-being), 13 (climate action) and 15 (life on land) to promote early detection of skin cancer, enhance sun-safe practices, mitigation of environmental factors and advancing the preservation of biodiversity, including medicinal plants. Thus, this review discusses the impact of cytostatic cancer drugs on patients and the environment and examines the potential use of phytochemicals as adjuvant therapy.

Assessment of therapeutic efficacy in seven cases of basal cell carcinoma in the ear and nose region treated with new surgical excision and immediate photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent non-melanoma skin tumor. It commonly affects exposed areas. Currently, surgical resection is considered the primary approach for BCC treatment. However, BCC frequently affects exposed facial areas, leading to visible scars after surgery. PDT has garnered increasing recent attention, demonstrating superior efficacy and favorable cosmetic outcomes for superficial BCCs. However, it shows limited treatment effectiveness for deep-seated tumors. Most of the current literature focuses on the combination of surgery and postoperative PDT, while no studies have reported on the use of standard surgical excision with intraoperative margin pathological monitoring and immediate PDT. Therefore, we implemented a treatment protocol combining surgery and immediate PDT. Accordingly, this paper aimed to explore the effectiveness, cosmetic outcomes, and other relevant advantages of this therapeutic approach. METHODS: We aimed to evaluate this approach in seven patients with BCC on the nose and ears. Standard surgical excision of skin lesions was performed, with intraoperative frozen section examination of the margins, followed by immediate postoperative PDT for the wounds, and continued periodic PDT during the second phase of wound healing. RESULTS: All seven cases demonstrated significant improvement. The cosmetic rating was 100 % and no cases of recurrence existed among the seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: This approach effectively minimized the surgical wound, improved tumor clearance, achieved precise therapeutic effects, and reduced the recurrence rate. Moreover, it produced favorable cosmetic outcomes.

Cost-utility analysis of mogamulizumab in advanced mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Aim: This study assessed the cost-utility of mogamulizumab, a novel monoclonal antibody, versus established clinical management (ECM) in UK patients in previously treated advanced mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS). Materials & methods: Lifetime partitioned survival model based on overall survival, next treatment-free survival and the use of allogeneic stem cell transplant was developed. Inputs were from the pivotal MAVORIC trial, real-world evidence and published literature. Extensive sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: Discounted incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were 3.08, £86,998 and £28,233. Results were most sensitive to the survival extrapolations, utilities and costs after loss of disease control. Conclusion: Mogamulizumab is a cost-effective alternative to ECM in UK patients with previously treated advanced MF/SS.

Cost-Effectiveness of Brentuximab Vedotin Versus Physician's Choice of Methotrexate or Bexarotene for the Treatment of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma in Canada.

INTRODUCTION: Brentuximab vedotin versus physician's choice of methotrexate (MTX) or bexarotene (BEX) significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) (median PFS, 16.7 vs. 3.5 months) and delayed time to subsequent treatment (8.4 vs. 3.7 months), with similar overall survival in patients with CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) or primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), two types of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of brentuximab vedotin versus MTX or BEX from a Canadian healthcare payer perspective in the indicated population. METHODS: A 5-state partitioned survival model [pre-progression, non-stem cell transplant (SCT) post-progression, SCT, SCT relapse, death] with a weekly cycle length and 45-year lifetime horizon has been developed. Health-state occupancies, utility estimates, and treatment duration were informed by ALCANZA. Other inputs and costs came from the literature or clinician experts. Scenario analyses varied key parameters and tested assumptions. RESULTS: Brentuximab vedotin versus MTX or BEX was cost-effective; the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was CAN$43,790 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Brentuximab vedotin was more effective (incremental life years: 0.15; QALYs: 0.25) and total treatment costs were slightly higher (incremental costs: $11,105) than MTX or BEX. Key model drivers included end-stage care duration, SCT eligibility, and brentuximab vedotin retreatment rates. CONCLUSION: Brentuximab vedotin compared with MTX or BEX was cost-effective for CD30-expressing MF and pcALCL. Brentuximab vedotin's higher drug costs versus MTX or BEX were offset by decreased post-progression and end-stage management costs, and showed a 0.25 QALY gain versus MTX or BEX, and increased the proportion of patients eligible for potentially curative SCT.

Cost-effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibition and targeted treatment in combination as adjuvant treatment of patient with BRAF-mutant advanced melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted treatments have improved the health outcomes of patients with advanced melanoma. However, due to the high cost of novel therapies, it is crucial to evaluate their value by considering both effectiveness and cost. To compare the cost-effectiveness of these novel agents (atezolizumab-vemurafenib-cobimetinib, vemurafenib-plus-cobimetinib, dabrafenib-plus-trametinib, and encorafenib-plus-binimetinib) for first-line treatment of metastatic melanoma with the BRAFV600 mutation. METHODS: A patient-level model was developed to project the health outcomes of 4 strategies for patients with advanced melanoma. We estimated transition probabilities from the IMspire150 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02908672), COMBI-AD (NCT01682083), and COLUMBUS (NCT01909453) trials using a parametric survival model. All health outcomes, including direct cost, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), were estimated from the US payer perspective. Lifetime cost, QALYs, life-years (LYs), and ICERs were calculated. Univariable and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test model robustness, along with multiple scenario analyses. RESULTS: Of the 4 competing strategies, atezolizumab-vemurafenib-cobimetinib produced the best health outcomes, and the vemurafenib-cobimetinib strategy was the least expensive option. Atezolizumab-vemurafenib-cobimetinib, dabrafenib-plus-trametinib, and vemurafenib-cobimetinib formed the cost-effective frontier, indicating that the ordered ICERs were $325,113/QALYs for dabrafenib-plus-trametinib vs. vemurafenib-cobimetinib strategies and $2,247,500/QALYs for atezolizumab-vemurafenib-cobimetinib vs. dabrafenib-plus-trametinib strategies. Encorafenib-plus-binimetinib was dominated by the other 3 competing strategies. The drug price and first-line utility significantly influenced the model utcomes. CONCLUSIONS: For BRAF-mutant advanced melanoma, the vemurafenib-cobimetinib strategy could be considered the most cost-effective treatment at the willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000.

Nivolumab comparado con Pembrolizumab en tratamiento adyuvante de pacientes con melanoma cutáneo operado / Nivolumab Compared With Pembrolizumab In Adjuvant Treatment Of Patients With Operated Cutaneous Melanoma

INTRODUCCIÓN: En el Perú, el melanoma maligno es la décimo tercera neoplasia con mayor frecuencia, alcanzando una incidencia de 1.8 por cada 100 000 personas con una mortalidad de 1.0 por 100 000, registrándose una incidencia de 1282 nuevos casos y una mortalidad de 364 casos anualmente. La resección quirúrgica de la lesión cutánea primaria y ganglionar con intención curativa es el estándar de tratamiento para los pacientes con melanoma primario de piel en estadios tempranos. Sin embargo, a pesar de la cirugía con intención curativa, un porcentaje de pacientes presentan recurrencia de enfermedad durante su evolución, especialmente aquellos con melanoma cutáneo estadio III. En pacientes con melanoma cutáneo estadio clínico IIIA y IIIB la sobrevida a 10 años es del 88% y 77%; y la sobrevida disminuye de forma más marcada en el estadio IIIC y IIID, siendo del 60% y 24%, respectivamente, por tal motivo se ha evaluado agentes adyuvantes que ayuden a reducir el riesgo de recurrencia. TECNOLOGÍA: Nivolumab y Pembrolizumab son agentes anti-PD1 y están reconocido por la FDA y EMA como parte del tratamiento adyuvante en melanoma cutáneo operado estadio III. MÉTODOS: La perspectiva adoptada fue la del financiador/pagador, que en este caso es el Sistema Integrado de Salud (S.I.S); por ello los costos directos (el costo de adquisición, el costo de administración de medicamentos, el costo de monitoreo de medicamentos y el costo de los eventos adversos), están seleccionados en función de los costos que el S.I.S debe asumir. No se consideró una tasa de descuento, ya que los flujos financieros se comparan a lo largo del tiempo, además, desde la perspectiva de los costos diferenciales, al no comparar entre dos intervenciones sino solo el impacto bajo un comparador, la utilización del descuento como reflejo de oportunidades perdidas de inversión deja de tener valor. El horizonte temporal que se está tomando para el Análisis de Impacto Presupuestario es de 3 años (2022 - 2024). Siendo el año base el 2021. La población elegible para este análisis será una estimación que hizo el departamento de Oncología Médica de los pacientes con melanoma cutáneo estadio IIIA-B-C-D con tratamiento adyuvante que se registraron en estos 3 últimos años. RESULTADOS: El modelo estima que de 15 a 16 pacientes del INEN en el año 1-3 serán diagnosticados con melanoma cutáneo operado estadio III. La Tabla 8 y la Tabla 9 detallan el número de pacientes en cada régimen dentro de la población de pacientes objetivo bajo el escenario de referencia (suponiendo que no haya entrada de Nivolumab como tratamiento adyuvante) y el nuevo escenario (asumiendo la entrada Nivolumab como tratamiento adyuvante), respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: El costo de tratamiento por paciente de Nivolumab es mayor que el de Pembrolizumab (S/ 341.765,89 vs. S/ 307.387,05) debido al mayor costo de adquisición, administración y monitoreo del fármaco. Nivolumab tiene un menor riesgo de presentar eventos adversos grado 3 y 4 en comparación con Pembrolizumab, pero a pesar de ello; este ahorro en costos por eventos adversos no logra superar a los otros costos en los que Pembrolizumab es menor. El Análisis de Sensibilidad mostro que solo reduciendo en 15% el costo de adquisición del medicamento, se podrá obtener ahorro desde el primer año. Si bien Nivolumab presenta similar eficacia que Pembrolizumab, el impacto económico que genera la adopción de este medicamento para este análisis resulta en un mayor esfuerzo presupuestal de S/1,427,914 durante los 3 años, para poder financiar esta nueva tecnologia.

The Importance of Skin Health Promotion for Children: Care with Makeup Use and Skin Cancer Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Numerous pathogenic complications affect the skin and are preventable, such as skin cancer, microbial diseases, dermal irritations, and anaphylaxis. In this context, the correct use of skin products, including sunscreens and child makeup, is important for promoting skin health and preventing adverse health conditions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use educational and playful activities to promote skin health for students. METHODS: This project was development in a municipal elementary school (Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil). The interventions were divided into three moments. In the first day, a questionnaire was applied to find out the students' previous knowledge about photoprotection. On the second day, an intervention lecture was held addressing issues related to photoprotection and the use of makeup. Finally, we played educational and ludic games and after, the questionnaire was reapplied. This was done to evaluate these actions' effectiveness regarding photoprotection and record their habits by applying a structured questionnaire at the beginning and end of the activities. RESULTS: Students received positively and interacted significantly during all activities performed. Regarding the impact of this study, we observed that ten times more students considered using sunscreen as something important at the end of the project, as only 8.16% of participants knew what skin cancer was at the beginning of the experiment. After the educational activities, this number rose to 72.37%, and 92.86% of girls reported wearing makeup, with more than half being expired or unlabeled and only 21.6% being appropriate for child use. CONCLUSION: The measures demonstrated effectively improve students' level of information regarding skin cancer prevention and indicated that inappropriate habits concerning makeup use in childhood are quite common, demonstrating the importance of educational interventions for children, since can improve your health.

Eficacia y seguridad del uso de pembrolizumab en pacientes con cáncer de piel de células escamosas en enfermedad metastásica / Efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab use in patients with squamous cell skin cancer in metastatic disease

INTECEDENTES: Mediante Decreto Supremo N° 004-2022-SA, de fecha 30 de marzo de 2022, se aprobó el Reglamento de la Ley N° 31336, Ley Nacional del Cáncer; la cual establece disposiciones técnicas para implementar la Ley, entre ellas: El Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) en coordinación con la Red Nacional de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias (RENETSA), elaborará y aprobará los documentos normativos necesarios para realizar las evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) multicriterio de tal forma que todos sus miembros estandaricen sus procesos de ETS; y el Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) elaborará y aprobará los documentos normativos que establezcan el umbral de alto costo para el tratamiento de enfermedades oncológicas. Sin embargo, a la fecha aún no se han publicado ninguno de estos documentos; por lo que, no se podría determinar qué medicamentos superarían el umbral de alto costo y tendrían que ser remitidos a RENETSA. Por lo tanto, con los elementos disponibles a la fecha, aún no se puede seguir el proceso establecido en el Decreto Supremo N° 004-2022-SA y para evitar retrasar la atención de los asegurados el IETSI continua con el proceso de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias de acuerdo a lo establecido en la Directiva N° 003-IETSI-ESSALUD-2016, "Normativa para la autorización y uso de productos farmacéuticos no incluidos en el Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud", proceso que se encuentra enmarcado en la normativa nacional. ASPECTOS GENERALES: El carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE), se origina en las células escamosas de la capa externa de la piel y en las membranas mucosas. Estas últimas recubren las vías respiratorias y los intestinos. Cuando el cáncer se desarrolla en el epitelio mucoso de la cavidad oral, laringe o/y faringe, se le conoce específicamente como carcinoma de células escamosas de cabeza y cuello (HNSCC, por sus siglas en inglés)(Johnson et al. 2020). Este tipo específico de CCE, está fuera del alcance de la presente evaluación. Por otro lado, cuando este se desarrolla en la piel, se denomina CCE de piel o cutáneo. La presente evaluación, es con respecto al CCE de piel o cutáneo. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad del uso de pembrolizumab en pacientes con CCE de piel en enfermedad metastásica. Esta búsqueda se realizó utilizando los buscadores: National Library of Medicine (PubMed-MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Web of Science y LILACS. Adicionalmente, se amplió la búsqueda revisando la evidencia generada por grupos internacionales que realizan revisiones sistemáticas, evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias y guías de práctica clínica, tales como The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Centro Nacional de Excelencia Tecnológica en Salud (CENETEC), Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), Comissáo nacional de incorporaoáo de tecnologías no sus (CONITEC), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), el portal de la Base V. PE TA A 1. Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA), el 01. repositorio institucional de la DIGEMID, entre otras. Esta búsqueda se completó revisando tu9 publicaciones de grupos dedicados a la educación, investigación y mejora de la práctica clínica oncológica y dermatológica dentro de América y Europa, como The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), uropean Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) y British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). ). Finalmente, se realizó una búsqueda adicional en la página web del registro de ensayos clínicos administrado por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina de los Estados Unidos (https://clinicaltrials.gov e International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP) (https://apps.who.int/trialsearch/), para poder identificar ensayos clínicos en curso o cuyos resultados no hayan sido publicados para, de este modo, disminuir el riesgo de sesgo de publicación. Las estrategias de la búsqueda para identificar la evidencia de ECA se encuentran en las Tabla A, B, C y D del Material Suplementario. RESULTADOS: Luego de la búsqueda realizada hasta el 5 de julio del 2022, se identificaron e incluyeron en el presente documento la guía de NCCN V2.2002 de cáncer de piel de células escamosas (NCCN 2022), la guía de BAD para el manejo de personas con carcinoma cutáneo de células escamosas (Keohane et al. 2021) y tres publicaciones del ensayo pivotal de aprobación de uso de pembrolizumab en pacientes con CCE de piel recurrente o metastásico: KEYNOTE-629 (Grob et al. 2020; Hughes, Munoz-Couselo, et al. 2021; Hughes, Mendoza, et al. 2021). Se excluyeron dos publicaciones, la de Geiger et al., 2019 y Mehta et al., 2021. La primera publicación por Geiger et al., por ser un documento tipo resumen de congreso donde se presentan resultados del ECA KEYNOTE-630 de fase III, el cual incluye pacientes con enfermedad de alto riesgo localmente avanzada, luego de resección quirúrgica y radioterapia; los cuales no pertenecen a la población objetivo del presente dictamen. Por su parte, la publicación de Mehta et al., fue excluida porque esta es una RS con MA cuyo objetivo es evaluar el uso de inmunoterapia en general, por lo cual no solo evaluó estudios en relación a pembrolizumab. Con respecto a la evidencia específica de pembrolizumab considerada en Mehta et al., esta incluye la publicación de Yushack et al., 2019, el cual es un resumen de congreso; la publicación de Maubec et al., 2020, que es un ensayo pequeño (n=57), de fase II no comparativo, donde no se incluyeron pacientes que hubieran recibido quimioterapia curativa o en adyuvancia; y la publicación de Grob et al., 2020 del ensayo KEYNOTE-629 de fase II no comparativo, el cual ya se encuentra incluido en la presente evaluación por ser el ensayo pivotal de aprobación de pembrolizumab en la población de interés. CONCLUSIÓN: Por todo lo expuesto, el IETSI no aprueba el uso de pembrolizumab en pacientes con cáncer de piel de células escamosas con enfermedad metastásica.

Association of age with survival in older patients with cutaneous melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Several types of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are approved to treat advanced melanoma, but their effectiveness has not been compared in older patients treated outside of a clinical trial. Moreover, evidence suggests that a patient's response to ICI therapy may vary by age and type of ICI. The purpose of this study was to compare survival by ICI type in older patients with melanoma and to investigate treatment effect modification by age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the SEER-Medicare database, we identified patients with cutaneous melanoma (2012-2015) treated with an ICI (CTLA-4, PD-1, or combination CTLA-4 + PD-1 inhibitors). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ICI types. We used an interaction term and stratified models to test for treatment effect modification by age. RESULTS: Of the 1435 patients included in our analysis, 790 (55.1%) received CTLA-4 inhibitors, 512 (35.7%) received PD-1 inhibitors, and 133 (9.3%) were treated with combination ICIs. Median survival ranged from 13.4 months (95%CI: 10.7-16.3) for CTLA-4 inhibitors to 23.5 months (95%CI: 16.2-30.0) for combination ICIs. In multivariable models, the risk of death was lower with PD-1 inhibitors compared to CTLA-4 inhibitors (HR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.68-0.89). An age*ICI type interaction term was significant (p < 0.001), and survival gains were greater the older age group (≥80) compared to the younger group (65-79). DISCUSSION: In a population-based setting, we identified important differences in survival by ICI type in older patients with melanoma treated with ICIs, with prolonged survival associated with PD-1 inhibitors compared to CTLA-4 inhibitors.

Immune-Related Adverse Events After Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Melanoma Among Older Adults.

Importance: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved survival in patients with advanced melanoma but can be associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (AEs), including both autoimmune-related AEs and other immune-related inflammatory AEs. These associations have primarily been evaluated in clinical trials that include highly selected patients, with older adults often underrepresented. Objective: To evaluate the association between use of ICIs and immune-related AEs (autoimmune and other immune related) among older patients with cutaneous melanoma. Design, Setting, and Participants: A population-based cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2015. Data were analyzed from January 31 to May 31, 2021. With use of a linked database of Medicare claims and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program population-based cancer registries, patients of White race diagnosed with stages II-IV or unknown (American Joint Committee on Cancer, AJCC Cancer Staging Manual 6th edition) first primary cutaneous melanoma during 2011-2015, as reported to SEER, and followed up through December 31, 2015, were identified. Exposures: Immune checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of melanoma. Main Outcomes and Measures: The association between ICIs and immune-related AEs ascertained from Medicare claims data was estimated using multivariable Cox regression with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs and with cumulative incidence accounting for competing risk of death. Results: The study included 4489 patients of White race with first primary melanoma (3002 men [66.9%]; median age, 74.9 [range, 66.0-84.9] years). During follow-up (median, 1.4 [range, 0-5.0] years), 1576 patients (35.1%) had an immune-related AE on a Medicare claim. Use of ICIs (reported for 418 patients) was associated with autoimmune-related AEs (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.6-4.0), including primary adrenal insufficiency (HR, 9.9; 95% CI, 4.5-21.5) and ulcerative colitis (HR, 8.6; 95% CI, 2.8-26.3). Immune checkpoint inhibitors also were associated with other immune-related AEs (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7-2.8), including Cushing syndrome (HR, 11.8; 95% CI, 1.4-97.2), hyperthyroidism (HR, 6.3; 95% CI, 2.0-19.5), hypothyroidism (HR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.4-6.1), hypopituitarism (HR, 19.8; 95% CI, 5.4-72.9), other pituitary gland disorders (HR, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.2-30.2), diarrhea (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.5-4.9), and sepsis or septicemia (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.3). Most associations were pronounced within 6 months following the first ICI claim and comparable with or without a baseline history of autoimmune disease. The cumulative incidence at 6 months following the first ICI claim was 13.7% (95% CI, 9.7%-18.3%) for autoimmune-related AEs and 46.8% (95% CI, 40.7%-52.7%) for other immune-related AEs. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of older adults with melanoma, ICIs were associated with autoimmune-related AEs and other immune-related AEs. Although some findings were consistent with clinical trials of ICIs, others warrant further investigation. As ICI use continues to expand rapidly, ongoing investigation of the spectrum of immune-related AEs may optimize management of disease in patients.

Treat Now or Treat Later: Comparative Effectiveness of Adjuvant Therapy in Resected Stage IIIA Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant therapy for most sentinel-node-positive (stage IIIA) melanoma may have limited clinical benefit for older patients given the competing risk of non-cancer death. The objective of this study is to model the clinical effect and cost of adjuvant therapy in stage IIIA melanoma across age groups. STUDY DESIGN: A Markov decision analysis model simulated the overall survival of patients with resected stage IIIA melanoma treated with adjuvant therapy vs observation. In the adjuvant approach, patients are modeled to receive adjuvant pembrolizumab (BRAF wild type) or dabrafenib/trametinib (BRAF mutant). In the observation approach, treatment is deferred until recurrence. Transition variables were derived from landmark randomized trials in adjuvant and salvage therapy. The model was analyzed for age groups spanning 40 to 89 years. The primary outcome was the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one melanoma-related death at 10 years. Cost per mortality avoided was estimated using Medicare reimbursement rates. RESULTS: Projections for NNT among BRAF wild type patients increased by age from 14.71 (age 40 to 44) to 142.86 (age 85 to 89), with patients in cohorts over the age of 75 having an NNT over 25. The cost per mortality avoided ranged from $2.75 million (M) (age 40 to 44) to $27.57M (age 85 to 89). Corresponding values for BRAF mutant patients were as follows: NNT 18.18 to 333.33; cost per mortality avoided ranged from $2.75M to $54.70M. CONCLUSION: Universal adjuvant therapy for stage IIIA melanoma is costly and provides limited clinical benefit in patients older than 75 years.