Once skin cancer in advanced stages has been surgically removed, Opdivo may be the best option to keep the malignancy at bay, according to a Phase 3 clinical trial sponsored by manufacturer Bristol-Myers-Squibb.
In a July 5 press release, the company confirmed the findings from the still-underway trial showing Opdivo bested rival Yervoy (also made by Bristol-Myers-Squibb) in helping patients live longer before the cancer returned.
Dr. Vicki Goodman, developmental lead of melanoma and genitourinary cancers for Bristol-Myers-Squibb, said late-stage skin cancer presents an obstacle for most patients.
“These topline results support the potential promise of Opdivo as a treatment option for patients with high-risk surgically resected melanoma,” Goodman said in the release. “There remains an unmet need for additional options as the majority of Stage III and resected Stage IV high-risk melanoma patients experience disease recurrence after surgery.”
Goodman said that next steps include petitioning regulators to authorize Opdivo for prescriptions to Stage III and IV melanoma patients.
