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Breakthrough Immune Drug Shows Promise Against Aggressive Skin Cancer Spread
A major clinical trial reveals that pembrolizumab, an immune-based drug, may effectively reduce the spread of Merkel-cell carcinoma, an aggressive skin cancer, post-surgery.
- The phase 3 STAMP trial (EA6174) by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group tested pembrolizumab in patients with Merkel-cell carcinoma after surgery.
- While pembrolizumab did not significantly lower the overall risk of cancer recurrence, it showed promise in reducing the spread of this aggressive neoplasm.
- This clinical trial emphasizes the potential of immunotherapy in treating skin cancer, particularly in managing the aggressive nature of Merkel-cell carcinoma.
Why It Matters
This breakthrough could reshape treatment strategies for Merkel-cell carcinoma, highlighting the role of immunotherapy in addressing aggressive cancers. Such advancements are crucial as they offer hope for improved patient outcomes.