SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Effects of Corticosteroids on Immunotherapy Response in Late-Stage Melanoma Patients

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This retrospective study from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center examined whether corticosteroid use affects immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment outcomes in patients with late-stage melanoma (stage 3 and 4). ICIs such as ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab have improved survival in metastatic melanoma, but many patients develop immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that are often treated with glucocorticoids. Because corticosteroids are immunosuppressive, the authors hypothesized they may reduce ICI efficacy, especially when given at high doses or for prolonged periods.<br /><br />Preliminary results showed that 69% of melanoma patients receiving ICIs experienced irAEs. Among those on corticosteroids, 62% were treated for irAEs caused by ICIs, while 18% used steroids for preexisting comorbidities. Nearly half (44%) of steroid-treated patients received high-dose corticosteroids, defined as immunosuppressive dosing. The study is still being analyzed, but early data suggest corticosteroid use is common in this patient population and may potentially negatively affect treatment response and overall survival.<br /><br />The authors conclude that understanding the impact of corticosteroids on ICI effectiveness is important for guiding more careful prescribing in late-stage melanoma patients, particularly when high-dose steroids are considered.

Asset Subtitle

Fatima S. Haidar

Meta Tag

Author List Bhavina Sharma, Fatima S. Haidar, Keisuke Shirai

Category Research

Concept Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor

Concept Melanoma

Concept Corticosteroid

Concept Survival

Concept Immune-Related Adverse Event

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Presenting Author Fatima S. Haidar

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

melanoma

corticosteroids

immune checkpoint inhibitors

ipilimumab

nivolumab

pembrolizumab

immune-related adverse events

glucocorticoids

overall survival

retrospective study

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor

Melanoma

Corticosteroid

Survival

Immune-Related Adverse Event