Metastatic Melanoma: Treatment and Survival in the US after the Introduction of Ipilimumab and Vemurafenib

INTRODUCTION: The 5-year survival of metastatic melanoma is < 18%. Historically, treatment options were limited. In 2011, 2 new agents were approved. METHODS: We re-abstracted the medical records of a random sample (n = 520) of metastatic melanoma patients who had been diagnosed in 2011 and reported to population-based registries in the U.S. We also queried their treating physicians. Factors associated with treatment and survival were assessed using logistic and Cox proportional hazards regressions, respectively. RESULTS: 21.4% of patients received no treatment, 20.8% received ipilimumab and 57.5% of patients with BRAF-positive tumors received vemurafenib/dabrafenib. Receipt of ipilimumab was less likely among patients of 75 years or older (vs. < 55 years: odds ratio (OR) 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-0.66) and patients without private/military insurance. 46.8% of patients received BRAF testing. Receipt of BRAF testing was less likely among patients of 65 years or more and uninsured patients (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.07-0.65). Receipt of ipilimumab was associated with better survival during the first 18 months after diagnosis (hazard ratio (HR) 0.66; 95% CI 0.51-0.84) and vemurafenib/dabrafenib with better survival during the first 10 months after diagnosis (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.36-0.73). CONCLUSION: The initial dissemination of ipilimumab and vemurafenib/dabrafenib was limited. Additional research is needed to investigate the apparent lack of long-term survival benefit from these agents.