Factors associated with immunotherapy selection in patients with advanced melanoma

Aim: To explore factors associated with pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) versus ipilimumab + nivolumab (IPI+NIVO) selection in advanced melanoma. Materials & methods: Total of 12 academic and satellite clinics contributed to this study. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between clinical characteristics and treatment choice. Results: Total of 400 patients were included: 200 PEMBRO and 200 IPI+NIVO. Patients were significantly more likely to receive PEMBRO versus IPI+NIVO if they had poorer Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, 2–4 versus 0–1 (odds ratio [OR]: 6.6; 95% CI: 3.0–14.7), if they were PD-L1 positive (OR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.9–10.4) or had BRAF wild-type tumor (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4–3.6). Conclusion: Patient factors are significantly associated with treatment selection in advanced melanoma. Outcomes comparisons should take this into consideration.