Durability of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma after treatment cessation

March 13, 2023

Journal

European Journal of Cancer

Publication Date

March 13, 2023

Author

Weppler AM, Da Meda L, Pires da Silva I, Xu W, Grignani G, Menzies AM, Carlino MS, Long GV, Lo SN, Nordman I, Steer CB, Lyle M, Trojaniello C, Ascierto PA, Lebbe C, Sandhu S

Merkelcell.org Summary

In this study of 40 patients from Australia with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, the authors found that about one third of patients had their MCC return within the first year of stopping immunotherapy. They also noted that if therapy extended longer, there appeared to be more protection from recurrence. These findings suggest a benefit for longer treatment for MCC patients and that more studies will help us better determine how long to continue these drugs that are expensive and can have significant side effects.

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.

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