Multicenter phase 2 trial of adjuvant nivolumab versus observation after complete resection of Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer, with high rates of relapse even after complete resection and radiation. The multicenter phase 2 ADMEC-O trial in Germany randomized MCC patients after complete resection to adjuvant nivolumab versus observation. Median disease-free survival was not reached in either group (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.30-1.12), with two-years DFS rates 84% with nivolumab versus 73% with observation. The authors conclude that these results might suggest clinical use of nivolumab in this area of unmet clinical need, although overall survival data are not mature enough to draw conclusions.