Background: The introduction of immuno- and targeted therapeutic modalities meant a breakthrough step in the therapy of melanoma. As a checkpoint inhibitor, the more effective and less toxic anti-PD1 therapy followed an anti-CTLA4 approach. Methods: From our patient pool, 222 advanced melanoma cases were selected, where anti-PD1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) therapy was initiated between March 2015 and December 2020. During our retrospective analysis, the efficacy and safety of the therapy were assessed. Results: The median follow-up was 16 months (interval: 0–64 months), and 150 patients (67.6%) received therapy in the first line, while second and third line therapy was performed among 72 patients (32.4%) for the median of 7.0 months (0–60). In 50 cases, BRAF mutations were detected. Ninety-six patients showed objective response (11.3% CR, 32.0% PR). The median PFS was 10.0 months (0–60), and the median OS was 23.0 months (0–64). Autoimmune side effects were found in 79 patients (35.5%); grade 3 occurred in 6.3% of the cases, while 1 patient died due to fulminant pneumonitis (0.25%). Conclusion: Although the range of immunotherapeutic options is getting wider, in the management of melanoma patients, anti-PD1 monotherapy remains an important, effective, and safe method. However, significant correlation was found between the immune-related side effects and therapeutic efficacy.
Background/Objectives: Over the past few decades, the incidence of melanoma has been steadily rising. In Hungary, the National Institute of Oncology serves as the national center for the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies, including melanoma. This study aims to analyze our patients’ data, providing a comprehensive characterization of melanoma across the country. Methods: We systematically analyzed the clinico-pathological data of melanoma patients treated in the Department of Oncodermatology between 2001 and 2018. Prognostic parameters were collected from the Hospital Information System of the Institute, including gender, age, tumor location, exulceration of primary lesion, Clark level, and Breslow thickness. In addition, survival analysis was also performed. Results: A total of 6267 melanoma patients were included in the study, with a slight predominance of female cases. The most common tumor location was the trunk. Female patients and younger age groups were more likely to present with lower Breslow thickness, while tumors in the head region were associated with increased thickness. Over the study period, the annual median Breslow thickness showed a significant decline. Female gender, younger age, and lower Breslow thickness was correlated with improved overall survival. Over time, the studied patient population exhibited better outcomes. Conclusions: Despite the rising incidence of melanoma in Hungary, the annual median Breslow thickness in our studied patient group showed a decreasing trend, accompanied by improved mortality outcomes. This highlights the critical role of secondary prevention measures and their effectiveness, as well as the impact of novel therapeutic advancements.