Abscopal Effect Induced by LAG-3/PD-1 Inhibition and Radiation Therapy in Metastatic Acral Melanoma: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Acral melanoma (AM) is a rare and biologically distinct subtype of melanoma that exhibits poor responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and limited treatment options. Relatlimab, a LAG-3 inhibitor, in combination with nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, has recently emerged as a dual ICI strategy targeting T-cell exhaustion.

Case presentation

We report the first documented case of an abscopal effect induced by LAG-3 inhibition and radiation therapy in a man in his 40s with metastatic amelanotic AM of the right foot. The patient progressed after four cycles of relatlimab plus nivolumab, prompting palliative radiation therapy to a bulky, bleeding foot lesion. Remarkably, the tumor began to regress within 1 week of initiating radiation. Two months later, the

SUBMITTER: Kim S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12851608 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature