Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Nivolumab and Lirilumab in Patients with Recurrent, Resectable Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Purpose: Surgery often represents the best chance for disease control in locoregionally recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We investigated dual immune-checkpoint inhibition [anti-PD-1, nivolumab (N), and anti-KIR, lirilumab (L)] before and after salvage surgery to improve disease-free survival (DFS).

Patients And Methods: In this phase II study, patients received N (240 mg) + L (240 mg) 7 to 21 days before surgery, followed by six cycles of adjuvant N + L.

Neoadjuvant Nivolumab or Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Untreated Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Phase 2 Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Novel approaches are needed to improve outcomes in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy given prior to surgery and combining programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) immune checkpoint inhibitors are 2 strategies to enhance antitumor immune responses that could be of benefit.

Design, Setting, And Participants: In this randomized phase 2 clinical trial conducted at 1 academic center, 29 patients with untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (≥T2, or clinically node positive) were enrolled between 2016 to 2019.

Observational study of talimogene laherparepvec use for melanoma in clinical practice in the United States (COSMUS-1).

Aim: Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is an intralesional treatment for unresectable cutaneous, subcutaneous and nodal melanoma. COSMUS-1 was conducted to examine how T-VEC is used in US clinical practice.

Materials & Methods: A chart review was conducted at seven centers, with 78 patients screened and 76 eligible.

Kaposi's varicelliform eruption in a patient with metastatic melanoma and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma treated with talimogene laherparepvec and nivolumab.

Background: Immune-directed therapies have become front-line therapy for melanoma and are transforming the management of advanced disease. In refractory cases, multi-modal immunoncology (IO) approaches are being utilized, including combining immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with oncolytic herpes viruses. Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the first genetically modified oncolytic viral therapy (OVT) approved for the treatment of recurrent and unresectable melanoma.

CTLA-4 and PD-1 Pathways: Similarities, Differences, and Implications of Their Inhibition.

The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoints are negative regulators of T-cell immune function. Inhibition of these targets, resulting in increased activation of the immune system, has led to new immunotherapies for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and other cancers. Ipilimumab, an inhibitor of CTLA-4, is approved for the treatment of advanced or unresectable melanoma.

Etanercept therapy for silicone granuloma.

A patient developed a typical, painful, and debilitating reaction on the thighs following injection of ostensibly medical grade "silicone" to achieve alteration of body contours. The refractory silicone granuloma responded dramatically to treatment with etanercept.