[Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Advanced Melanoma - Evidences and Future Perspectives].

ABSTRACT

Recently developed immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1 antibodies, have shown a clear improvement in clinical efficacy compared with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma. Treatment with anti-PD-1 antibodies has resulted in improved objective response rates, longer durations of response, and longer overall survival rates. Although the incidence rate of adverse events associated with anti-PD-1 antibodies is lower than that associated with cytotoxic agents, characteristic severe adverse events such as pneumonia, endocrinopathy, and colitis can occur. A recent clinical trial that evaluated the utility of an anti-PD-1 antibody in combination with an anti-CTLA-4 antibody reported that the treatment enhanced clinical efficacy in terms of response rate and progression-free survival. However, the incidence of adverse events and treatment discontinuation also increased. For optimal selection of immune checkpoint inhibitors for treating patients with advanced melanoma, biomarkers capable of predicting clinical efficacy, prognosis, and adverse events in each patient need to be identified. In addition, novel combination therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and MAP kinase pathway-targeting agents, should result in more favorable clinical responses and prolonged overall survival rates.