Immunotherapy changing metastatic melanoma survivorship

The overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma has significantly increased with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), leading to a growing group of metastatic melanoma survivors with unique survivorship care (SSC).

A study involving 20 patients with metastatic melanoma whose treatment with ICIs was discontinued after ongoing tumor response found that patients were uncertain about the future after their change in prognosis and had difficulty reverting to their lifestyle before they were diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

“Patients indicated they needed to find a new balance which included learning to cope with uncertainty and a changed perspective on life and close relationships,” the authors wrote.

Patients said they needed more tailored information available at a single location and said they wanted to know who they could speak to if questions arise. Psychosocial support for themselves and close relatives was also important to patients.

Reference
Kamminga NCW, van der Veldt AAM, Joosen MCW, et al. Experiences of resuming life after immunotherapy and associated survivorship care needs: a qualitative study among patients with metastatic melanoma. Br J Dermatol. 2022;doi: 10.1111/bjd.21670. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35596713.