Since Carter’s diagnosis, at least 15 new treatments for stage 4 melanoma have been approved, said Dr. Michael Davies, chair of the Department of Melanoma and Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Some immune therapies are used in combination with other cancer drugs or even surgery at earlier stages of the disease, and their use has expanded greatly. Various forms of immunotherapy are utilized to treat a wide variety of cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, head and neck cancer, and some rare forms of colon cancer. Studies exploring its potential use in treating pancreatic cancer are also underway, according to Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, Executive Director of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, where Carter received treatment. Ramalingam, although not directly involved in Carter’s care, emphasized the significant impact of immunotherapy in the field of cancer, stating, “Immunotherapy has been a game changer. We are seeing patients live longer and live better because of what immunotherapy has meant to the field of cancer.”
In early June, researchers at NYU Langone Health reported that patients with metastatic melanoma who received a combination of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and an experimental mRNA vaccine targeting their cancer cells were experiencing longer survival without additional spread of their disease when compared to individuals treated with Keytruda alone. Three-quarters of patients who received the combination therapy showed no recurrence three years later, compared to 56% in the Keytruda-only group. Additionally, the combination group demonstrated a survival advantage, with 96% versus 90%.
Despite the advancements, it is important to note that immunotherapy does not yield success for everyone, offering only about a 30% to 60% success rate depending on the type of cancer and the treatment approach. Dr. Sarnaik expressed a desire for higher success rates, stating, “We’re not satisfied with that. We want a 90% to 100% response rate, and we’re nowhere near those numbers.” It is essential to be aware of potential side effects of immunotherapy, which can include overstimulation of the immune system leading to various inflammatory responses. For example, individuals who develop lung inflammation may require supplemental oxygen, while colitis, a complication in the colon, can be life-threatening, as highlighted by Dr. Davies. However, unlike traditional chemotherapy, immunotherapy typically does not result in hair loss, nausea, extreme fatigue, or other common side effects.
Dr. Ramalingam shared that many of his patients undergoing immunotherapy are able to continue with their daily activities, with some even returning to work shortly after their treatment sessions. Colleagues who were involved in Carter’s care expressed immense gratitude for his role in raising awareness about the benefits of immunotherapy.
