Anti-PD 1 therapy used in metastatic melanoma patients

Written by Dr Shelley Hwang (Westmead Dermatology Research Associate)
One of the research projects that we are currently conducting in Westmead Research Dermatology includes a cohort study on the topic anti-PD1. Anti-PD1 is an immunotherapy that is currently under clinical trials for metastatic oncology patients. This is often used in metastatic melanoma patients when the BRAF mutation is negative or they develop resistance to BRAFI or they develop serious side effects to BRAFI and MEKI. Many oncology patients get referred to the dermatology department for pre-treatment dermatology review which include 16 full body photography and dermoscopy examinations. During the period of their clinical trials, patients are regularly followed up by the dermatology research associates. Any cutaneous adverse effects are diagnosed and treated promptly.