Single-center phase 2 trial of first-line camrelizumab plus apatinib and temozolomide for advanced acral melanoma

Acral melanoma, known for low tumor mutation burden, responds poorly to immunotherapy. A standard therapy is lacking. The CAP 03 phase 2 clinical trial, at Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute (Beijing, China) evaluated first-line camrelizumab (anti-PD-1) plus apatinib (anti-VEGFR) and temozolomide for unresectable stage III or IV acral melanoma. The objective response rate was 64.0%, while the safety profile was acceptable. The authors conclude that the combination could be a first-line treatment option for patients with advanced acral melanoma, which warrants further validation in a randomized trial.