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Review
. 2021 Jun;7(3):168-176.
doi: 10.1159/000513336. Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Clinical Trials in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Immunotherapy

Marlana Orloff  1
Affiliations
Review

Clinical Trials in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Immunotherapy

Marlana Orloff. Ocul Oncol Pathol. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare subtype of melanoma that generally has a poor prognosis once it has metastasized. Clinical trials evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in UM have demonstrated response rates lower than those seen in cutaneous melanoma. Despite lower efficacy demonstrated in initial ICI studies, there are a number of ongoing clinical trials investigating novel immunotherapy approaches in UM.

Summary: This review aims to summarize important ongoing clinical trials investigating immunotherapeutic approaches in UM and previous trials that have evaluated a number of immunologic interventions. A thorough clinical trial investigation was conducted through clinicaltrials.gov using the disease search terms "uveal melanoma" and "ocular melanoma," excluding non-immunotherapy-related trials. Here, we report on ICI, vaccine, adoptive T cells, and combination immunotherapy trials in UM.

Key messages: There is an increasing effort in the search for new, effective therapies for this difficult-to-treat disease, with immunotherapeutic approaches being of particular interest. Increasing knowledge of UM biology and development of new biomarkers will direct future drug development and trial design.

Keywords: Immune checkpoint inhibitor; Immunotherapy; T cell; Uveal melanoma; Vaccine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The funding for this manuscript was initiated by Immunocore Ltd. However, the content represents the views and opinions of the author, Dr. Orloff, with editorial review by Immunocore Ltd. for accuracy. The author has received research support from consulting and speaker fees from Bristol-Myers Squibb. She has received consulting fees, research funding to institution, and contributed to an education campaign www.thinkuvealmelanoma.com, sponsored by Immunocore Ltd.

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