Anti-PD-1 agents, alone or in combination with ipilimumab, produce durable responses in some melanoma patients. Tumor features that correlate with response are not well defined. We collected clinical data from metastatic melanoma patients treated at two centers who received anti-PD-1 (n=303) or anti-PD-1 + ipilimumab (n=57). We correlated number of metastases, diameter of largest tumor (tumor bulk), and organ involvement with response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with diameter of largest tumor ≤ 2cm had a 53% RR while those with largest tumor >2cm had a 38% RR (p=0.009). Those with liver metastases had lower RR (25% vs. 43%, p=0.002). RR to anti-PD-1 was greater in patients with ≤10 metastases compared with those with >10 (39% vs. 27%, p=0.027). In multivariable analyses, size of the largest tumor was independently associated with PFS (p=0.0005), OS (p<0.0001), and RR (p=0.02) whereas AJCC stage, lactate dehydrogenase, liver metastases, ECOG performance status, number of metastases, and prior therapies were not. In patients treated with anti-PD-1 + ipilimumab, however, tumor bulk was not associated with outcomes, although number of metastases was associated with PFS (p=0.035) and RR (p=0.009) but not OS. Pathologic analysis did not reveal differences in T cell infiltration in bulky vs. small tumors. Tumor bulk, defined by
Cancer patients can be well-connected to resources during treatment but become lost to follow-up and subsequently may receive treatment in free clinics for chronic morbidities. Few studies have examined outcomes for uninsured patients with cancer histories in free clinics, but research examining socioeconomic determinants emphasizes poor cancer outcomes for patients with lower socioeconomic statuses (SES). Demographic data and chronic disease measures were extracted from medical charts of patients treated in 8 free clinics in 2016 in Tampa Bay. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to demonstrate relationships between socioeconomic factors, cancer diagnoses, and comorbidities. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to assess mortality risk and severity of disease burden. The histories of 4804 uninsured patients were evaluated, identifying 86 (1.7%) as having had cancer. They were predominantly female (65.1%) and significantly older than those without cancer histories. Average duration from initial diagnosis was approximately 8.53 years (standard deviation [SD] 7.55). Overall, cancer patients had higher CCI scores (3.04 [1.928 SD] versus 0.90 [1.209 SD]; P <.001); thus reflecting more weighted comorbidities than patients without cancer ( P <.001). Other factors of chronic disease including obesity and substance abuse correlated with cancer history. Among uninsured patients, those with cancer histories had greater mortality risk by CCI than those without. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic pulmonary disease existed in patients with cancer histories, affecting their mortality risk. Uninsured patients with a history of cancer are in greater need for chronic disease management and prevention.
Pneumonitis may complicate anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy, although symptoms usually resolve with steroids. The long-term effects on respiratory function, however, are not well defined. We screened melanoma patients treated with anti-PD-1, with and without ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4), and identified 31 patients with pneumonitis. Median time to radiographic findings was 4.8 months. Twentythree patients (74%) presented with respiratory symptoms, whereas 8 (26%) were asymptomatic, and 11 (35%) were hospitalized. With 22.1 months median follow-up, 27 patients (87%) had resolution of symptoms, whereas 4 had persistent cough, dyspnea, and/or wheezing. By contrast, the rate of radiographic resolution was lower: Only 11 (35%) had complete radiographic resolution, whereas 14 (45%) had improvement of pneumonitis with persistent scarring or opacities, and 6 (19%) had persistent or worsened groundglass opacities and/or nodular densities. Persistence (vs. resolution) of radiographic findings was associated with older age and initial need for steroids but not with need for hospitalization, timing of onset, or treatment regimen (combination vs. monotherapy). Among patients with serial pulmonary function tests, lung function improved with time. Although symptoms of anti-PD-1-induced pneumonitis resolved quickly, scarring or inflammation frequently persisted on computerized tomography. Therefore, further study of subclinical pulmonary effects of anti-PD-1 is needed.
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare autoimmune blistering condition that predominantly affects the elderly population. Typical treatment regimens target the immune system and inflammatory response. We present a case of BP in a 78-year-old male patient that occurred following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. This case was refractory to topical steroids and immunosuppressants. However, it responded to treatment with dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody therapy. Dupilumab is classically indicated for the treatment of asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, atopic dermatitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. We highlight the importance of considering the off-label use of dupilumab and its success in treating BP.
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