Atypical response patterns in metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma patients treated with nivolumab: A single center experience

Introduction The response patterns of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been recognized to differ from those seen in standard cytotoxic and targeted therapy. Pseudoprogression and hyperprogression are new clinical phenomena specific to the field of immuno-oncology. In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency of hyperprogression and pseudoprogression in metastatic RCC and melanoma patients treated in our institution with the programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor nivolumab. Methods The medical records of all metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma patients that were treated with nivolumab (n = 54) in Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital (Istanbul-Turkey), Medical Oncology Clinic between June 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Hyperprogression and pseudoprogression rates were 12% and 9%, respectively and that is consistent with published data. Discussion Pseudoprogression and hyperprogression are new radiologic response patterns with immunotherapy agents. It is critical to be aware of these two phenomena in order to make the right decisions for patients.

Automated summary

Pseudoprogression and hyperprogression are new radiologic response patterns with immunotherapy agents. The frequency of hyperprogression and pseudoprogression in metastatic RCC and melanoma patients treated with the programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor nivolumab was found to be 12% and 9% respectively, consistent with published data. Being aware of these phenomena is crucial for making informed decisions for patients.