A phase 2 clinical trial led by the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and the National Cancer Institute showed promising results in treating stage 3 cutaneous melanoma with a combination of the experimental drug vidutolimod and the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab. The treatment led to tumor control in 55% of patients and produced high response rates and survival rates. Further research revealed that the combination therapy enriched specific immune cells in responding patients, suggesting a unique mechanism of action. The study also identified potential pharmacodynamic markers and highlighted the complexity of the gut microbiome’s effects on cancer immunotherapy.
Source link