The Melanoma Nursing Initiative

04/10/2026

RP1 + nivolumab was not approved by the FDA for advanced melanoma.

The decision was based on concerns regarding the adequacy of the clinical trial design to demonstrate efficacy. No new safety signals were identified.

Additional studies are ongoing.
Details: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/fda-does-not-approve-rp1-in-combination-with-nivolumab-for-advanced-melanoma-what-this-means-for-patients/

03/24/2026

A recent study looked at people with Stage IIB and IIC melanoma after surgery to understand how treatment with pembrolizumab may impact future skin cancer risk.

The findings showed that the risk of developing a new melanoma was similar whether or not patients received pembrolizumab. However, other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, were more common in patients who did not receive the treatment.

Importantly, pembrolizumab was associated with a lower risk of melanoma returning. Side effects, including skin reactions, were reported but were generally infrequent and manageable.

https://ascopost.com/news/february-2026/stage-ii-melanoma-adjuvant-pembrolizumab-and-risk-of-new-skin-cancers/

10/20/2025

Replimune has announced that the FDA has accepted the resubmission of the Biologics License Application (BLA) for RP1, in combination with nivolumab, for the treatment of advanced melanoma in patients who have progressed on anti-PD-1 therapy.

The FDA’s PDUFA target action date is set for April 10, 2026, moving this potential new treatment closer to patients who need more options. RP1 is a next-generation oncolytic immunotherapy designed to boost tumor-killing and immune response.

Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date set for April 10, 2026   WOBURN, Mass., Oct. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Replimune Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: REPL), a clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of novel oncolytic immunotherapies…

10/15/2025

Join Save Your Skin Foundation for a free two-day virtual symposium designed to support those working in melanoma and skin cancer care.

🗓 Dates: November 5–6, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00–2:30 PM ET
💻 Location: Online (Zoom)

You’ll hear the latest melanoma and skin cancer updates from ESMO and SMR 2025, explore Canadian-specific challenges and standards of care, and join interactive discussions with leading oncologists and experts.

This event is ideal for oncology nurses, melanoma specialists, and healthcare professionals who want to stay informed and connected.

Join us for a two-day virtual symposium designed for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. This event will highlight the latest treatment updates presented at ESMO and SMR 2025, explore Canadian-specific challenges and standards of care, and feature interactive discussions with leading...

09/24/2025

Subcutaneous vs. Intravenous Nivolumab: What Patients and Providers Should Know

The FDA recently approved a subcutaneous formulation of nivolumab (OPDIVO Qvantig) for adult solid tumors, giving patients a new option alongside the traditional intravenous infusion.
~Subcutaneous administration offers several potential benefits:
~Shorter treatment time: 3–5 minutes vs. 30-minute IV infusion
~Fewer adverse reactions: Lower rates of severe side effects and no need for venous access
~Improved patient experience: Less anxiety, more comfort, and greater satisfaction
~Optimized healthcare resources: Reduced preparation and administration time for staff, with potential cost savings

Patients and providers now have more flexibility in care planning, and subcutaneous immunotherapy may improve access to treatment, especially for those in rural or underserved areas.

Learn more about the considerations for patient care and how subcutaneous nivolumab compares to IV administration in our latest blog:

In December 2024, the FDA approved a subcutaneous formulation of the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab across adult, solid tumor nivolumab indications as monotherapy, monotherapy maintenance following completion of nivolumab (OPDIVO) plus ipilimumab (YERVOY) combination therapy…

06/07/2025

New CME Program Now Available: In conjunction with the 2025 ASCO® Annual Meeting in Chicago, the CME program, “Moving the Efficacy Needle With Immunotherapy in Melanoma,” was developed to address real-world challenges in delivering immunotherapy and to advance clinical decision-making in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma.
Led by renowned experts Hussein Tawbi, MD, PhD; Paolo Antonio Ascierto, MD; and Isabella C. Glitza Oliva, MD, PhD, this program offers valuable insights into:

Tackling practical challenges in immunotherapy delivery for melanoma patients

Expanding knowledge of the latest evidence and guidelines for immunotherapy in cutaneous melanoma

Refining the use of immune-based therapies for patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma

Understanding the selection of immunotherapy-based adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments in resectable melanoma cases

Elevate your expertise and stay at the forefront of melanoma treatment by exploring the latest advancements in immunotherapy.

This 1.5 credit CME/MOC/AAPA/IPCE-certified program is provided by PeerView, in partnership with AIM at Melanoma Foundation.

Learn more and access the activity here: https://themelanomanurse.org/education/

04/07/2025

For patients with locally advanced/metastatic nonmelanoma skin cancers, the development of modern therapeutic agents has greatly improved outcomes, which can be aided by appropriate management of key side effects. Krista M. Rubin, MSN, FNP-BC, of the Center for Melanoma at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in Boston, Massachusetts, presented recommendations for addressing immune-related adverse events (irAEs) with immunotherapy for nonmelanoma skin cancers at the 2025 ONA Summit Live Virtual Meeting.

A review of modern treatment strategies for skin cancer includes recommendations for addressing irAEs with immunotherapy for nonmelanoma skin cancers.

03/25/2025

Skin cancer advanced clinical practitioners ensure continuity of care for oncology patients with malignant melanoma and other advanced skin cancers

Abstract Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, has a high propensity to metastasise. Ho...

02/21/2025

This informative 30-minute session explores critical topics about melanoma and pregnancy. Hosted by Melissa Wilson, PA-C, MPAS, this “From the Clinic to the Living Room” webinar welcomes Jane M. Grant-Kels, MD, FAAD as our special guest.

Dr. Grant-Kels is a Professor of Dermatology, Pathology, and Pediatrics, Vice Chair of the Department of Dermatology, and Director of the Cutaneous Oncology Center and Melanoma Program at the University of Connecticut. She is also the Assistant Residency Program Director.

Melanoma and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Hosted by Melissa Wilson, PA-C, MPAS with Guest Expert Dr. Jane M. Grant-Kels, MD, FAAD Date: Thursday, February 20thTime: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM ET Join us…

12/27/2024

Exciting news for cancer patients and healthcare providers: Opdivo Qvantig, the subcutaneous version of nivolumab, has received FDA approval! This new formulation offers a more convenient treatment option for various solid tumor indications, including:

✅ Melanoma
✅ Renal Cell Carcinoma
✅ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
✅ Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
✅ Colorectal Cancer
✅ Urothelial Carcinoma
✅ Esophageal and Gastric Cancers
…and others
The approval is based on data from the CHECKMATE-67T trial, which showed that subcutaneous Opdivo Qvantig had a higher overall response rate (24%) compared to the intravenous version (18%) and similar safety profiles. Most common side effects included musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, rash, and cough.

This approval means more flexibility and convenience for patients, helping them better manage their cancer treatment.

👉 For more details on the FDA approval and how this may impact cancer care, check out the full story on our website.

https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/bristol-myers-squibb.../

12/26/2024

Among patients with early-stage malignant melanoma who underwent standard excision, the incidence of residual melanoma tumor cells in tissue from a wide local excision was low, at less than 5% of patients.

Investigators studied the effect of wide local excision on disease control and prognosis in patients with early-stage malignant melanoma who underwent standard excision.

12/06/2024

Updates Alert!

We’ve just updated our Targeted Toolkits, Care Step Pathways, and Patient Action Plans to ensure you have the latest resources at your fingertips.

✅ Targeted Toolkits: Comprehensive guides to support your melanoma care efforts.
🔗 Explore Now: https://themelanomanurse.org/hcp-toolkits/

✅ Care Step Pathways: Step-by-step guidance for managing melanoma treatment.
🔗 Check them out: https://themelanomanurse.org/care-step-pathways/

✅ Patient Action Plans: Empower your patients with the resources they need to stay on track.
🔗 Learn more: https://themelanomanurse.org/patient-action-plans/

Stay up-to-date with these valuable resources!