Melanoma Matters

James and Sapna welcome Megan Othus, Professor of Biostatistics at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and one of the key statisticians at SWOG. Megan talks about growing up in the PNW and going East to get back West. She helps us digest the time of day analyses and some of the missing analyses that should have been shown in the papers published to date. She teaches us about confounders, accounting for m...

In this episode, James & Sapna tease the size of ASCO and ESMO and number of simultaneous publications. They review the most impactful melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma presentations from ASCO 2026, focusing on practice-changing trials and innovative strategies that could shape future treatment landscapes. Studies discussed include: OptimUM-02 phase 2/3 trial for metastatic uveal melanoma ADA...

James & Sapna sent a brief message from ASCO 2026 about what they are looking forward to hearing at the meeting. OptimUM-02 ADAM KN-942 Neoadjuvant pilot studies ... and more

Summary The conversation covers the published data from the IGNYTE study - RP1 + nivolumab: response rate and safety profile, RNA-seq analysis, and toxicity. The key takeaways include insights into clinical trial interpretation and treatment efficacy (and incorrect graphs). Takeaways Clinical Trial Data Treatment Efficacy Chapters 00:00 Introduction to IGNYTE Study 14:04 Response Rate and Safety P...

Summary Happy Holidays and Festive Season Everyone! In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James reflect on their "cultural" experiences over the past year, discussing movies, music, books, plays, and television shows. They share personal anecdotes about memorable trips, culinary highlights, gym feats, and their podcasting journey, while also looking ahead to their go...

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James awaits an invitation to a film premiere (The Penguin Lessons) and we all await a picture of him in his tuxedo! Sapna and James go on to discuss the 5-year outcomes of studies such as coBRIM, COMBI-d, and how those compare to 5-year benchmarks from the COLUMBUS study. They explore subgroups and characteristics of favorable (and durable) response, t...

Enjoy this short trailer on MEK inhibitor monotherapy trials in melanoma

Summary So many shoutouts in this episode of Melanoma Matters! Sapna and James engage in a lively discussion about MEK inhibitors as monotherapy treatment. They explore the METRIC, NEMO, and pimasertib trials, and discuss side effects associated with this class of therapy. Sapna clears her own confusion regarding the PDUFA date for the NEMO study, and James objects to the way the NEMO abbreviation...

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel engage with Merrick Ross, a seasoned surgical oncologist, discussing his background, the evolution of surgical practice with regards to melanoma treatment, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. They explore innovations in neoadjuvant therapy, the critical role of pathology in treatment decisions, and t...

Summary In this Episode, hosts James & Sapna go into the 7-year follow-up from the randomized phase 3 adjuvant trial of pembrolizumab versus placebo for stage III melanoma, KEYNOTE-054 There's a bit too much talk about weightlifting though...

Summary In this (longest to-date) episode, James and Sapna delve into the not-so-rare occurence of immune-mediated myocarditis, particularly in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The hosts discuss grading systems, management strategies, and the challenges of diagnosing and treating myocarditis. They emphasize the importance of close follow-up and the need for collaboration with cardiolog...

Summary In this Part 2 Best of ESMO 2025 episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel cover the IO Biotech phase 3 trial, Checkmate 238 final results, the Safe Stop trial, the ECOG-ACRIN STAMP trial for Merkel cell carcinoma, and a promising TCR therapy for uveal melanoma. Keywords melanoma, cancer research, immunotherapy, clinical trials, ESMO, IO Biotech, Checkmate 238, Safe S...

We did it! We recorded a live teaser and a now a timely Best of ESMO 2025 episode... Part 1 of 2! In this episode, hear host James Larkin's favorite childhood vacations (dry skiing, upside down toothbrush hills and Mallorca... so privileged) James & Sapna focus on the 3 neoadjuvant melanoma presentations at ESMO 2025 and take a deep dive in to the results and questions raised for clinic on...

Enjoy this brief behind-the-scenes discussion from ESMO 2025 where we plan our upcoming Best of ESMO episode #ESMO25 #ESMO26 @melanomamatterspod

Enjoy this trailer of Episode 72 - James takes a test!

For the record, we recorded this episode in February 2024 :) better late than never to get it published! In this episode, James has no idea what he's in for. Sapna quizzes James on new drug approvals in hematology & oncology in the year 2024 to see if he can guess the cancer type and mechanism of action.

Summary In this episode, hosts James Larkin & Sapna Patel discuss the Women in Melanoma Conference, highlighting its role in fostering networking and collaboration among female oncologists. They reflect on the evolution of the conference, its impact on participants, and the importance of addressing women's issues in oncology. The discussion also touches on the potential for expanding the i...

You wanted it, we gave it... best of ASCO ...colon...2025 :D In this episode, hosts James and Sapna discuss the key highlights from ASCO 2025, focusing on significant abstracts related to melanoma treatment. They delve into the implications of adrenal insufficiency, the 5 year, final results of Lifileucel, and the ongoing debate between neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies. The conversation also exp...

Summary In this episode, Sapna Patel and James Larkin engage with Monty Pal from City of Hope, discussing his unique journey into oncology, the significance of the microbiome in cancer treatment, and the impact of diet and lifestyle on patient outcomes. They explore current research, including clinical trials involving fecal microbiome transplants and the potential of specific bacteria to enhance...

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the Godfather 15 trial, focusing on the neutralizing GDF 15 antibody and its implications in overcoming PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 resistance in solid tumors. They explore the background of GDF-15, its role in immune suppression, and the trial's methodology, including safety and efficacy results. The conversation...

Summary In this conversation, James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the consensus definitions for resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, focusing on a recent paper from the Journal of Immunotherapy of Cancer. They explore the complexities of primary and secondary resistance, the importance of defining these terms for clinical trials, and the challenges in trial design and control arms. The dis...

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the recent advancements in understanding and treating cancer cachexia, particularly focusing on the drug ponsegramab. They explore the implications of cachexia across different cancer types, the role of cytokine GDF-15, and the importance of nutrition and physical activity in managing cachexia. They opine on body wei...

Summary In this conversation, Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the recent approval of Opdivo Qvantiq, a subcutaneous formulation of nivolumab, and its implications for oncology treatment. They explore the Checkmate 6-7-T study that led to its approval, the efficacy and safety of the new formulation, and the broader regulatory landscape. The discussion also touches on patient perspectives regar...

In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel pick up with Part 2 of 2 - a deep conversation with Claire Turnbull - about the complexities of cancer screening, overdiagnosis, and the role of genetic testing. They explore the implications of screening practices illustrated by the Gilbert Welch paradigm, the challenges faced in patient management, and the future of genetic...

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome Clare Turnbull, a clinical geneticist in London, to discuss her journey from studying mathematics to medicine, her work in cancer genetics, and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare. The conversation explores the role of genetic testing in melanoma, the challenges of public health in cancer treatment, and the on...