Avelumab treatment in Italian patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma: experience from an expanded access program.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare form of skin cancer with a poor prognosis, has increased in Italy in recent decades. Avelumab, an anti-programmed death ligand 1 monoclonal antibody, is approved for the treatment of metastatic MCC (mMCC) based on the results of the phase 2 JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. The global avelumab expanded access program (EAP) was designed to provide compassionate use of avelumab prior to approval for patients with mMCC who had limited treatment options. We report findings from a subgroup of Italian patients enrolled in the avelumab EAP.

Methods

Eligible patients had mMCC and progressive disease following ≥ 1 prior line of chemotherapy or were ineligible for chemotherapy or clinical trial participation. Patients received av

SUBMITTER: Grignani G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7885451 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature