Durability of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma after treatment cessation
Journal Title
European Journal of Cancer
Publication Type
Research article
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) is highly responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); however, durability of response after treatment cessation and response to retreatment in the setting of progression is unknown. METHODS: Patients (pts) having mMCC from 10 centres who discontinued ICI treatment for a reason other than progression were studied. RESULTS: Forty patients were included. Median time on treatment was 13.5 months (range 1-35). Thirty-one patients (77.5%) stopped treatment electively while 9 patients (22.5%) stopped due to treatment-related toxicity. After median of 12.3 months from discontinuation, 14 pts (35%) have progressed (PD). Disease progression rate following ICI discontinuation was 26% (8 of 31) in patients who discontinued in complete response (CR), 57% (4 of 7) in patients in partial response and 100% (2 of 2) in those with stable disease. Median progression-free survival (PFS) after treatment cessation was 21 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 18- not reached [NR]), with a third of patients progressing during their first year off treatment. PFS was longer for patients who discontinued ICI electively (median PFS 29 months; 95% CI, 21-NR) compared to those who stopped due to toxicity (median PFS 11 months; 95% CI, 10-NR). ICI was restarted in 8 of 14 pts (57%) with PD, with response rate of 75% (4 CR, 2 partial response, 1 stable disease, 1 PD). CONCLUSION: ICI responses in mMCC do not appear durable off treatment, including in patients who achieve a CR, though response to retreatment is promising. Extended duration of treatment needs to be investigated to optimise long-term outcomes.
Publisher
Elsevier
Keywords
Humans; *Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/drug therapy/pathology; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects; Progression-Free Survival; *Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology; Withholding Treatment; Retrospective Studies; Durability of response; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Merkel cell carcinoma; Retreatment; Treatment cessation
Department(s)
Medical Oncology
PubMed ID
36842413
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Creation Date: 2023-06-15 07:24:56
Last Modified: 2023-06-15 07:25:48

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