Biochemotherapy Gets Mixed Results in High-Risk Melanoma
AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
There was no significant difference between groups in overall survival. The median duration was 8.4 years with high-dose interferon and was not reached with biochemotherapy. The 5-year rate was 56% in both groups. And findings again were generally similar across patient subgroups.
The two treatments had differing grade 3/4 adverse event profiles: Biochemotherapy was associated with higher rates of gastrointestinal, hematologic, and metabolic toxicities, but lower rates of hepatic and neuropsychiatric toxicities.
Dr. Flaherty disclosed that he is a consultant to and receives honoraria and research funding from Merck and Novartis. Dr. Schuchter disclosed that she receives research funding from Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, and Roche.
