Making strides against melanoma: how can medical oncologists and interventional oncologists join forces to deliver smarter, patient-centered care? In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Tyler Sandow,hosts Dr. Sunandana Chandra, medical oncologist at Northwestern, and Dr. Riad Salem, interventional oncologist at Northwestern, to discuss the evolving management of advanced melanoma.

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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Replimune.

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SYNPOSIS

The doctors open the episode with an overview of melanoma and recent advances in its treatment, highlighting key trials such as DREAMseq and CheckMate 067. The discussion explores the shift from medical oncologist as solo primary providers to a dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to advanced cancer care—emphasizing cutting-edge treatments like immunotherapy and intratumoral oncolytic viruses.

Dr. Salem shares practical insights on the procedural techniques of administering intratumoral oncolytics like Replimune, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation and patient-centered care. The doctors also provide an overview of the ongoing IGNYTE-3 Trial, a Phase 3 study assessing the safety and efficacy of the oncolytic immunotherapy RP1 in combination with nivolumab for the treatment of advanced melanoma.

The episode underscores the transformative potential of innovative melanoma treatments and the crucial role of integrated, team-based approaches in improving cancer patient outcomes.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
03:48 - The Evolution of Melanoma Treatment: From Chemotherapy to Immunotherapy
14:05 - The Role of Oncolytic Viruses in Melanoma Treatment
20:14 - Interventional Radiology’s Role in Cancer Treatment
27:00 - Collaborative Approach to Cancer Care
32:53 - Hyper Documentation and Communication Efficiency
44:47 - Future of Intratumoral Oncolytics
48:10 - Multidisciplinary Approach in Advanced Cancer Management
51:46 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

DREAMseq Trial: Atkins MB, Lee SJ, Chmielowski B, et al. Combination Dabrafenib and Trametinib Versus Combination Nivolumab and Ipilimumab for Patients With Advanced BRAF-Mutant Melanoma: The DREAMseq Trial-ECOG-ACRIN EA6134. J Clin Oncol. 2023;41(2):186-197. doi:10.1200/JCO.22.01763

CheckMate 067 trial: Wolchok JD, Chiarion-Sileni V, Rutkowski P, et al. Final, 10-Year Outcomes with Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(1):11-22. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2407417

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