Expert opinion on biological therapy
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Dec 2017
ReviewInotuzumab ozogamicin for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an uncommon disorder that affects about 20% of adults with acute leukemia. Historically, those who relapse from this condition have a dismal prognosis. Recent developments in immunoconjugate usage has changed the landscape of lymphoid B-cell malignancy therapy. ⋯ The article further includes the published phase I, II and III studies in ALL and considers the safety and efficacy of this treatment. Expert opinion: Inotuzumab ozogamicin is likely to be used, primarily, as a potent agent for relapsed ALL, either as the first choice or for those who fail treatment with blinatumumab. Its potential in newly diagnosed patients is currently unknown, such that the overall impact is likely to be important, but limited.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Dec 2017
ReviewImmunotherapy in managing metastatic melanoma: which treatment when?
Ten to fifteen percent of melanoma patients develop distant or unresectable metastasis requiring systemic treatment. Around 45% of the patients diagnosed with metastatic cutaneous melanoma harbor a BRAFV600 mutation and derive benefit from combined targeted therapy with MAPK pathway inhibitors. These offer a rapid response that translates into improvement of symptoms and increased quality of life. ⋯ However, there are still unanswered questions of the best therapy sequence, the clear superiority of combined immunotherapy versus monotherapy in all patients, and therapy duration. Since different promising treatments will become available, clinical trials comparing the diverse options in terms of safety, efficacy and cost- effectiveness are required to make the right decisions. Consequently, patients should be encouraged to participate in clinical trials, whenever possible.