Immunotherapy in a rare case of primary pelvic retroperitoneal melanoma

Abstract

Recent advances in novel immunotherapeutic and targeted therapeutic agents have increased treatment options in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. However, evidence in the literature on whether or not extracutaneous melanoma will acquire an equivalent advantage from these therapies is very scarce. In general, extracutaneous melanomas are rare and aggressive melanomas, which are clinically and biologically unique, with higher incidence of metastatic disease and poor prognosis. In this case report, we present a very rare case of a 54-year-old woman with primary pelvic retroperitoneal melanoma treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody, pembrolizumab. Furthermore, we explore the role of novel immunotherapies in the treatment of advanced melanoma.

Primary Retroperitoneal Malignant Melanoma with Involvement of Iliac Artery and Vein

“…e mainstay of therapy for melanoma remains surgical resection, but if the tumor is surgically unresectable or in the case of more advanced disease, then systemic therapy is recommended. Vemurafenib and dabrafenib are small molecule inhibitors of BRAF kinase and are first-line treatment for BRAF mutation-positive melanoma [15]. Vemurafenib and dabrafenib are similar in efficacy, but dabrafenib is associated with less toxicity [16].…”

“…Vemurafenib and dabrafenib are similar in efficacy, but dabrafenib is associated with less toxicity [16]. Another treatment regimen option includes programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1) inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, which are emerging as successful therapy for metastatic melanoma [15]. In conclusion, we report a case of primary retroperitoneal melanoma with involvement of the iliac artery and vein causing lower extremity edema.…”