Even though anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have improved survival, a high percentage of patients still do not respond to ICIs. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are circulating cells that express PD-L1 and can infiltrate and proliferate in the tumor microenvironment, inducing immunosuppression. By evaluating changes in PD-L1 expression of live peripheral blood MDSCs, we are able to define a new PD-L1 index, useful in predicting ICI escape in NSCLC patients before initiating anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Novel and highly effective drugs for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) improve patient outcomes, but their high cost strains healthcare systems. Spain's decentralized public health system, managed by 17 autonomous communities (AaCc), raises concerns about equitable access.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey (July-September 2023) was sent to Spanish Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group (GEM Group) members to assess access to new drugs.
Background: The development of highly active drugs has improved the survival of melanoma patients, but elevated drug prices place a significant burden on health care systems. In Spain, the public health care system is transferred to the 17 autonomous communities (AACC). The objective of this study is to describe the situation of drug access for melanoma patients in Spain and how this decentralized system is affecting equity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM) developed a national registry of patients with melanoma infected by SARS-CoV-2 ("GRAVID").
Methods: The main objective was to describe the COVID-19 fatality rate in patients with melanoma throughout the pandemic, as well as to explore the effect of melanoma treatment and tumor stage on the risk of COVID-19 complications. These are the final data of the register, including cases from February 2020 to September 2021.