Melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer, often stands strong against popular treatments.
But researchers from UCLA have come up with a promising solution for those tough cases.
The Power Duo: Ipilimumab and Nivolumab
In a recent study, a mix of two immunotherapy drugs, ipilimumab and nivolumab, showed remarkable results against melanoma that didn’t respond to common treatments.
This pairing not only held the cancer at bay longer than the standard treatment but also improved the overall response to therapy.
The current go-to treatment for severe melanoma is a drug that targets a protein called PD-1. But over half of these melanoma cases outsmart it.
When that happens, patients often turn to another drug that targets a protein called CTLA-4. The big question before this study was: Is it better to mix the two treatments or switch entirely?
Testing the Mix
To answer that question, researchers gathered 91 patients, all of whom had stubborn melanoma. These patients were split into two groups: one received the drug combo, and the other received only the CTLA-4-targeting drug.
The results were encouraging. Those on the combo treatment saw a 37% better hold on the disease’s progress compared to those using just one drug.
Also, 28% of patients in the combination group witnessed their tumors shrink, while only 9% in the other group had a similar experience.
Though there were side effects, like diarrhea, the rate was the same whether patients took the combo or a single drug.
A Step Forward in Melanoma Treatment
Dr. Antoni Ribas, a lead researcher from UCLA, called these findings “practice-changing.” He recommends the drug combo for melanoma patients who haven’t had success with other treatments.
The beauty of this approach, he says, is in its precision. Patients can start with the standard treatment and then add the second drug only if needed, reducing unnecessary side effects.
Ribas believes that this approach—using treatments one after another—is a smarter way to give patients the best treatment while reducing side effects.
It offers a tailored plan, ensuring that only those who genuinely need the combination face its risks.
Conclusion
The world of medical research continuously looks for better ways to combat diseases. With this new combo, many melanoma patients can have renewed hope and a potentially more effective treatment option.
As with all findings, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals about the best treatment route.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about the big cause of deadly pancreatic cancer and findings of new causes of cancer coming from inside the body.
For more information about cancer, please read studies that artificial sweeteners are linked to higher cancer risk, and how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer.
The study was published in Nature Medicine.
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