Dr. Luke on PD-1 Agents as Frontline Immunotherapy in Melanoma

Jason J. Luke, MD, FACP, assistant professor of medicine, Melanoma and Developmental Therapeutics Clinic, University of Chicago Medicine, discusses PD-1 inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab as frontline immunotherapy choices for patients with melanoma.

The FDA approval of PD-1 agents in melanoma makes for an exciting time in the area, Luke explains. The FDA label approves nivolumab and/or pembrolizumab in second-line therapy after being treated with ipilimumab. Currently, there is debate on if this is the best indication, and ongoing clinical trials are planned to modify that indication, Luke explains.

Luke is among many researchers who believe these PD-1 agents will transition to frontline therapy. However, he questions if that therapy will be enough or if combination therapies will show greater improvement in patients.