Melanoma Matters

Melanoma Matters Pod

From the UK to the USA - Melanoma Matters is on a mission! Hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel are spreading the word on melanoma, one podcast at a time. Tune in for a critical review of the literature and a discussion of how we incorporate the data into our practices...across the pond(s). #MelanomaMatters video podcast

  1. Ep 79: coBRIM, COMBI-d 5-year follow-up

    12/29/2025

    Ep 79: coBRIM, COMBI-d 5-year follow-up

    Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James awaits an invitation to a film premiere (The Penguin Lessons) and we all await a picture of him in his tuxedo! Sapna and James go on to discuss the 5-year outcomes of studies such as coBRIM, COMBI-d, and how those compare to 5-year benchmarks from the COLUMBUS study. They explore subgroups and characteristics of favorable (and durable) response, the role of MEK inhibitors on immune activation, and a potential fellow's project (looking at you, Rob?). Keywords Melanoma, targeted therapy, co-BRIM, COMBI-d, COLUMBUS, immunotherapy, BRAF MEK inhibitors, overall survival, progression-free survival, patient outcomes, cohorts, LDH, organ sites Takeaways MEK inhibitors have a complex role in immune response. Normal LDH levels correlate with better patient outcomes. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy can have overlapping patient populations. Sound Bites "We thought we'd do more targeted therapy" "Normal LDH is doing better." "Long-term follow-up for targeted therapy." Chapters 00:00 Will he or won't he ... James awaits invitation to film premiere 04:26 coBRIM 5y FU 11:56 COMBI-d 5y FU 13:19 LDH subgroups 17:26 Normal LDH & 3 organ sites of metastasis 18:07 Invalid analysis & graph ... tsk tsk NEJM 22:36 Fact Check 22:40 What's the color of James' t-shirt? 25:34 Five-Year Results of BRAF Targeted Therapies 28:37 Cure Potential of Adjuvant Targeted Therapy 31:34 MEK Inhibition and Immune Activation

    36 min
  2. Ep 78: MEK inhibitor trials (METRIC, NEMO, pimasertib)

    12/29/2025

    Ep 78: MEK inhibitor trials (METRIC, NEMO, pimasertib)

    Summary So many shoutouts in this episode of Melanoma Matters! Sapna and James engage in a lively discussion about MEK inhibitors as monotherapy treatment. They explore the METRIC, NEMO, and pimasertib trials, and discuss side effects associated with this class of therapy. Sapna clears her own confusion regarding the PDUFA date for the NEMO study, and James objects to the way the NEMO abbreviation was derived. Keywords targeted therapy, MEK inhibitors, METRIC, NEMO, pimasertib, NRAS, BRAF, melanoma, oncology, side effects, clinical trials, drug approval, patient care, cancer treatment, Owen, Dave Solit, Tom Newsom-Davis, Peter Hill Takeaways Targeted therapy is an important area of focus in oncology. MEK inhibitors have been in development for over 15 years. The NEMO trial aimed to evaluate binimetinib for NRAS mutant melanoma. PFS as a primary endpoint in clinical trials. Side effects of MEK inhibitors. The NEMO trial faced challenges in gaining FDA approval despite positive results. Sound Bites "What gets you to an ASCO?" Chapters 00:00 Can we get James to go shirtless (req fr Owen the Trainer) 04:28 MEK inhibitor trials 07:40 Dave Solit is handsome 09:50 Side Effects of MEK Inhibitors 10:52 Shoutout to Tom Newsom-Davis 12:29 Ocular Toxicity and Patient Management 16:25 METRIC study 19:33 NEMO trial 27:16 NEMO and the fate of its PDUFA date 29:03 Pimasertib: A New Player in NRAS Mutant Melanoma 34:31 Shoutout to Peter Hill & what is the #1 cause of rhabdo in Central London

    37 min

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

From the UK to the USA - Melanoma Matters is on a mission! Hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel are spreading the word on melanoma, one podcast at a time. Tune in for a critical review of the literature and a discussion of how we incorporate the data into our practices...across the pond(s). #MelanomaMatters video podcast

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