Patterns of irAEs and treatment responses in AYA patients with melanoma during initial and rechallenge ICI therapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used in adolescents and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer; however, data on treatment response, the frequency and pattern of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) ant the feasibility of ICI rechallenge after irAEs are limited. A retrospective study at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) documented initial IC treatment and ICI rechallenge, along with associated irAEs and treatment responses among 136 AYAs who received ICI therapy for melanoma from 2013 to 2023. The study found that ICI rechallenge can be performed safely and cautiously in AYA patients with melanoma, even in those with prior irAEs, with comparable efficacy. Notably, hepatitis and colitis had a high incidence in this population and were associated with improved overall survival. The authors conclude that this study lays the groundwork for further exploration of ICI rechallenge in AYA patients with melanoma.