Therapeutic Responses to Combination Nivolumab and Temozolomide as Salvage Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Series

The management of metastatic melanoma patients that fail multiple lines of systemic therapy remains a significant challenge. There is limited literature regarding combination of anti-PD-1 and temozolomide, or of other chemotherapy agents, in melanoma. Here, we present a series of 3 patients with metastatic melanoma and their responses to nivolumab and temozolomide combination therapy after progression on several local/regional therapies, combination immune checkpoint inhibitors, and/or targeted therapies. The novel combinatory strategy led to remarkable responses in all 3 patients shortly after initiating treatment with tumor remission and symptomatic improvement. The first patient has had ongoing response 15 months after initiating treatment, although he has since discontinued temozolomide due to intolerance. The remaining 2 patients show ongoing response after 4 months, with good tolerability. This case series suggests that nivolumab and temozolomide may be a promising option in the setting of advanced melanoma refractory to standard treatments, and warrants further investigation in larger series.