Current management of advanced melanoma: A European perspective.

Abstract

9045 Background: Melanoma is a rare but serious subtype of skin cancer that can infiltrate deep skin layers and commonly metastasizes. Although it makes up only a small proportion (<5%) of all skin cancer cases, it causes 75% of deaths from skin cancer. Melanoma affects all ages with 38% of patients less than 55 years old causing significant work productivity and life impact. Median survival of patients with advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma is less than a year. Conventional chemotherapy provides no overall survival benefit. Within the last 2 years, the EMA approved two new drugs for advanced melanoma: ipilimumab for second-line and vemurafenib for patients with BRAF mutation-positive tumors; both drugs provide survival benefits. The objective of this study was to investigate physicians' perceptions of the unmet need in the treatment of advanced melanoma in the new treatment landscape. Methods: 150 oncologists and dermatologists from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK who had treated at least 12 patients with advanced melanoma in the last 12 months prior to September 2012 were asked by a web-based survey to describe their treatment of advanced melanoma and the current issues in treatment. Results: Overall, 76% of respondents had used ipilimumab and 79% had used vemurafenib in the 12 months prior to September 2012. Toxicity and tolerability of treatment was the most commonly mentioned issue (cited by 43% of respondents). Limited treatment effectiveness (29% respondents) was also highlighted by respondents in all countries. Limited treatment options were identified as a key issue by 30% of respondents in Germany, France, and the UK. Other commonly mentioned issues were low response rates and poor survival. Conclusions: The majority of physicians surveyed had experience using vemurafenib and ipilimumab. However, a number of issues remain in the treatment of advanced melanoma, suggesting that unmet need remains high.