This is the first randomized trial that is positive for overall survival in uveal melanoma, and I’m very excited about the results, which I consider seminal and practice-changing,” said formal discussant Caroline Robert, MD, of Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France. “This is such a rare tumor, but it is refractory. Innovative technology led to the development of tebentafusp, and this is an incentive to develop other strategies using other peptides and [human leukocyte antigen] molecules.”

Caroline Robert, MD

Addressing the discrepancy between overall survival and response rates, Dr. Robert said: “There are many interpretations. This reminds us of the early situation with pseudoprogression and immune checkpoint inhibitors.” 

DISCLOSURE: Dr. Robert has served as a consultant or advisor to Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Pierre Fabre, Roche, and Sanofi.