Melanoma Matters

Melanoma Matters Pod
  • 3.7 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 81: IGNYTE trial (RP1 + nivo)

    5D AGO

    Ep 81: IGNYTE trial (RP1 + nivo)

    SummaryThe conversation covers the published data from the IGNYTE study - RP1 + nivolumab: response rate and safety profile, RNA-seq analysis, and toxicity. The key takeaways include insights into clinical trial interpretation and treatment efficacy (and incorrect graphs).Takeaways Clinical Trial DataTreatment Efficacy Chapters 00:00 Introduction to IGNYTE Study14:04 Response Rate and Safety Profile25:17 RNA-seq Analysis and Toxicity

    33 min
  2. Ep 80: 2025 Holiday Special

    12/30/2025

    Ep 80: 2025 Holiday Special

    Summary Happy Holidays and Festive Season Everyone! In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James reflect on their "cultural" experiences over the past year, discussing movies, music, books, plays, and television shows. They share personal anecdotes about memorable trips, culinary highlights, gym feats, and their podcasting journey, while also looking ahead to their goals and aspirations for 2026. Keywords movies, music, books, plays, television, travel, culinary, podcast, goals, aspirations, Happy Holidays, 2025, reflections, best Takeaways "Culture" James and Sapna read a lot of books. Theatrical performances can be a delightful family experience - James highly recommends Matilda. There is lots of television watching on both sides of the pond. Traveling memories in 2025. Culinary adventures include Ottolenghi in Richmond. Podcasting is fun when you do it with your best friend. Chapters 00:00 Festive Reflections and Year-End Special 02:50 Movies and Theater Experiences 09:32 Books he read & bought for others to read 12:29 Books she read or audio'ed 15:56 TV shows we watched in 2025 20:38 Travel Highlights of the Year 22:50 Culinary Adventures and Memorable Meals 24:28 Podcast Highlights and Notable Guests 32:34 Gym Goalz & PBs

    36 min
  3. 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
  4. Ep 78 TRAILER: MEK inhibitor trials

    SEASON 2, EPISODE 78 TRAILER

    Ep 78 TRAILER: MEK inhibitor trials

    Enjoy this short trailer on MEK inhibitor monotherapy trials in melanoma

    1 min
  5. 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
  6. Ep 77: Guest Merrick Ross

    12/29/2025

    Ep 77: Guest Merrick Ross

    Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel engage with Merrick Ross, a seasoned surgical oncologist, discussing his background, the evolution of surgical practice with regards to melanoma treatment, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. They explore innovations in neoadjuvant therapy, the critical role of pathology in treatment decisions, and the future directions of surgical approaches in metastatic melanoma. They discuss the need for continuous adaptation and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of melanoma treatment. Keywords melanoma, surgical oncology, neoadjuvant therapy, multidisciplinary care, pathology, metastatic melanoma, melanoma treatment, melanoma surgery, immunotherapy, clinical trials Takeaways Merrick Ross shares his journey from Chicago to surgical oncology. Surgery for melanoma has evolved from a primary modality to a multimodal approach. The importance of collaboration between surgical oncologists and medical oncologists is emphasized. Neoadjuvant therapy is seen as a promising area for future research and treatment. Ultrasound imaging is more effective than cross-sectional imaging for assessing nodal basins. The role of pathology is crucial in understanding treatment responses and guiding future therapy. Surgical decisions should be tailored based on individual patient responses and disease characteristics. The need for less aggressive surgical interventions is highlighted as treatment evolves. Merrick emphasizes the importance of understanding tumor biology in surgical decision-making. The conversation underscores the collaborative nature of modern melanoma treatment. Sound Bites "We need to loop in the pathologist." "Surgery has evolved over time." "The decision to be aggressive or not is complex." Chapters 00:00 Merrick's upbringing 06:30 Evolution of Surgical Oncology for Melanoma 12:44 The Role of Sentinel Node Biopsy 18:35 Merrick waxes sentimental about neoadjuvant therapy 24:47 Collaboration Collaboration Collaboration 26:46 The Role of Pathology in Treatment Decisions 36:41 Surgical Considerations in Immunotherapy 39:44 A lovely closing anecdote about Merrick

    45 min
  7. Ep 76: KEYNOTE 054 7-year follow-up

    12/28/2025

    Ep 76: KEYNOTE 054 7-year follow-up

    Summary In this Episode, hosts James & Sapna go into the 7-year follow-up from the randomized phase 3 adjuvant trial of pembrolizumab versus placebo for stage III melanoma, KEYNOTE-054 There's a bit too much talk about weightlifting though...

    29 min
  8. Ep 75: Immune-mediated Myocarditis

    12/28/2025

    Ep 75: Immune-mediated Myocarditis

    Summary In this (longest to-date) episode, James and Sapna delve into the not-so-rare occurence of immune-mediated myocarditis, particularly in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The hosts discuss grading systems, management strategies, and the challenges of diagnosing and treating myocarditis. They emphasize the importance of close follow-up and the need for collaboration with cardiologists. Keywords myocarditis, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cardiology, personalized treatment, grading systems Takeaways Grading systems for myocarditis are essential but can be blunt tools.Personalized treatment approaches are crucial for managing myocarditis.Collaboration with cardiologists is vital for effective management.High-dose steroids are often the first line of treatment for myocarditis.There is a need for more prospective data on myocarditis management.Ruxolitinib and abatacept are potential second-line treatments.Monitoring troponin levels can help assess treatment effectiveness.The role of immunosuppressive drugs in myocarditis is still being studied.Early involvement of cardiologists can improve patient outcomes.Understanding the biology of myocarditis can lead to better treatment strategies.

    1h 5m
See All (84)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 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

Information

  • Creator
    Melanoma Matters Pod
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Melanoma Matters Pod
  • Show Website
    Melanoma Matters