Sex-Based Differences in Treatment with Immune Checkpoint Inhibition and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Melanoma: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Abstract

Recent meta-analyses show conflicting data on sex-dependent benefit following systemic treatment for advanced melanoma patients. We examined the nationwide Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry (July 2013-July 2018), assessing sex-dependent differences in advanced melanoma patients (stage IIIC/IV) with respect to clinical characteristics, mutational profiles, treatments initiated, grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs), treatment responses, and mortality. We included 3985 patients, 2363 men (59%) and showed that although men and women with advanced melanoma differ in clinical and tumor characteristics, the safety profile of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) is comparable. The data suggest a 10% survival advantage for women, mainly seen in patients ≥60 years of age and patients with BRAF V600 mutant melanoma. Following ICI there was no survival difference.

• Authors: Monique K van der Kooij, Olaf M Dekkers, Maureen J B Aarts, Franchette W P J van den Berkmortel, Marye J Boers-Sonderen, Jan Willem B de Groot, Geke A P Hospers, Djura Piersma, Rozemarijn S van Rijn, Karijn P M Suijkerbuijk, Hans M Westgeest, Astrid A M van der Veldt, Gerard Vreugdenhil, Sofie Wilgenhof, Michel W J M Wouters, John B A G Haanen, Alfonsus J M van den Eertwegh, Ellen Kapiteijn
• Journal: Cancers (Cancers (Basel)) Vol. 13 Issue 18 (Sep 16 2021) ISSN: 2072-6694 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 34572865 (Publication Type: Journal Article)