AIM at Melanoma

21/08/2026

20/08/2026

There is important news today in melanoma research.

Merck and Moderna have announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 INTerpath-001 trial evaluating intismeran autogene (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) as adjuvant treatment for patients with completely resected stage IIB–IV melanoma.

At a pre-specified interim analysis, the combination demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) compared with KEYTRUDA alone. The trial met its primary endpoint of RFS and a key secondary endpoint of DMFS.

What is intismeran autogene?

Intismeran autogene is an investigational mRNA-based individualized neoantigen therapy. It is designed specifically for each patient based on the unique set of mutations within that person's tumor, with the goal of training and activating the immune system to recognize and fight cancer.

This is the first positive Phase 3 readout for an individualized neoantigen therapy and for an mRNA-based cancer therapy.

The study will continue to evaluate other key secondary endpoints, including overall survival. The companies also reported that the safety profiles of intismeran autogene and KEYTRUDA were consistent with previously reported studies of the combination, with no new safety signals observed.

These are topline results, so the complete Phase 3 data have not yet been presented. Merck and Moderna plan to present the data at an upcoming international medical meeting and share them with regulatory authorities.

AIM at Melanoma will continue to follow the INTerpath-001 results closely and provide updates as the full data become available.

https://bit.ly/3UHFHwa

18/08/2026

Do Students Practice What They Know About Sun Safety?

Heading back to school means returning to recess, sports, outdoor activities, and long walks across campus. New research shows that while students of all ages understand more about the risks of UV exposure than ever before, knowledge alone doesn't always lead to better sun protection.

Read about the latest findings on sun safety in elementary, high school, and college students—and what they tell us about helping the next generation reduce melanoma risk.

https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/back-to-school-considerations-for-sun-safety-knowledge-and-behaviors/

13/08/2026

What the RP1 Approval Means for Patients and the Changing Treatment Landscape
For patients with advanced melanoma, hearing that a treatment is no longer working can bring an immediate question: What happens next?

Join Melissa Wilson, PA-C, MPAS, Melanoma Lead at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and AIM’s “Ask a Medical Expert,”for a timely conversation with melanoma expert Omid Hamid, MD, Chief of Translational Research and Immuno-Oncology at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, exploring second-line treatment—what it means, when a change in therapy may be considered, and how doctors and patients navigate the options available after first-line treatment.

The discussion will also take a closer look at the newly FDA-approved RP1 and what this new treatment option may mean for patients. Dr. Hamid will discuss where RP1 may fit into the treatment landscape, which patients may be candidates, how the treatment is administered, and what patients might expect in practice.

Having participated in the FDA meeting and provided testimony and expert perspective during the review of RP1, Dr. Hamid will also share insight into the significance of the FDA’s decision and what the approval may mean for the melanoma community.

We’ll finish by looking ahead at the evolving second-line treatment landscape and other approaches that may offer additional options for patients in the future.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 4:00 PM ET
30-minute virtual discussion

07/08/2026

Yesterday, RP1 made news. Now, let’s talk about what it means for patients.

The FDA approval of RP1 brings a new treatment option for certain patients with advanced melanoma whose disease has progressed following prior immunotherapy. But an approval announcement can leave patients and families with just as many questions as answers.

Where does RP1 fit into treatment? What exactly does “second-line” therapy mean? When might a change in treatment be considered? Who may be a candidate for RP1, and what does receiving this treatment actually involve?

On Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT, AIM at Melanoma will host a live, patient-focused conversation with Omid Hamid, MD, Chief of Translational Research and Immuno-Oncology at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate.

Dr. Hamid also participated in the FDA meeting on RP1, providing expert comments and testimony during the review process. Now, he’ll join us to help put the approval into context—what it means, where RP1 may fit among second-line treatment options, and what patients should know as the melanoma treatment landscape continues to evolve.

Understanding Your Second-Line Options: What the RP1 Approval Means for Patients

Thursday, August 13
7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
Live patient-focused webinar

Registration is free.
Register here: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/patient-webinar-understanding-your-second-line-options/

06/08/2026

For many people living with melanoma, treatment isn't just about the medication.

It's also about the hours spent traveling, waiting, and receiving care.

Because subcutaneous immunotherapy can often be administered much more quickly than an IV infusion, some patients may spend significantly less time at their treatment appointments.

Talk with your healthcare team to see if this option is appropriate for you.

Learn more: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-101/subcutaneous-immunotherapies-for-melanoma-what-you-need-to-know/

06/08/2026

We have good news to share!

Today, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec) in combination with nivolumab for advanced melanoma. This treatment is approved for patients whose melanoma has continued to grow despite previous treatment with immunotherapy—a patient population in need of more treatment options.

We've been updating you on RP1 for the last few years. Here's how we got here:

• 2024: FDA officials granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to RP1 + nivolumab, an FDA designation that is intended to expedite the development and review of drugs that treat serious conditions and show promising preliminary clinical evidence.

• January 2025: The FDA accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for RP1 and granted Priority Review, based on RP1's phase 1/2 clinical trial, IGNYTE, showing promising results that the combination of RP1 + nivolumab can be effective and safe for patients who have failed to benefit from immunotherapy.

• July 2025 and April 2026: The FDA issued Complete Response Letters (CRLs) and did not approve the application.

• July 2026: The FDA reviewed the treatment again. An FDA Advisory Committee met to review the data and voted in favor of RP1.

• Today: The FDA approved RP1 in combination with nivolumab for patients with advanced melanoma whose melanoma has continued to grow despite previous treatment with immunotherapy.

This approval represents the efforts of so many people working toward the same goal. AIM at Melanoma was honored to work alongside our fellow melanoma organizations to compile patient stories for the FDA after the first denial and again for the FDA Advisory Committee meeting. We also helped organize patient speakers for that meeting.

Our heartfelt thanks go to every patient who courageously shared their story, every patient who spoke before the Advisory Committee, every family member and caregiver who stood beside them, the physicians, nurses, researchers, and clinical trial teams whose dedication made this therapy possible, and our fellow melanoma organizations whose collaboration and advocacy helped ensure that the patient voice was heard.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, including the members of the FDA Advisory Committee and the FDA reviewers, for their thoughtful consideration of the scientific evidence and the patient perspectives shared throughout this review process.

Our deepest gratitude to AIM at Melanoma President Sam Guild and Vice President Alicia Rowell, whose tireless, determined, and unwavering advocacy spearheaded these efforts. Their persistence in ensuring that patients' voices were heard throughout this process reflects AIM's steadfast commitment to expanding treatment options for the melanoma community.

Today is a meaningful step forward for patients with advanced melanoma who need more treatment options.

We'll share more about what this approval means for patients, how RP1 works, and who may be eligible in tomorrow's AIM at Melanoma newsletter. If you're not already subscribed, visit our website and sign up so you don't miss it.

FDA link in comments

04/08/2026

The best part of fall isn't the leaves.

It's seeing communities come together.

Every smile.
Every conversation.
Every team shirt.
Every finish line.

Join us this fall at a Steps Against Melanoma Walk.
https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/fundraising-101/walks/

03/08/2026

Congratulations to our President, Samantha Guild, JD, recipient of the 2026 Tara Withington Public Service Award from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 🎉

This distinguished honor recognizes Sam's exceptional leadership, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the melanoma community. Through her vision and dedication at AIM at Melanoma, she has amplified the voices of patients, advanced critical research funding, and helped shape a more hopeful future for those affected by this disease.

Sam will be formally recognized during the SITC 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place November 4–8, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona.

On behalf of our entire team, patients, families, and partners — congratulations, Sam. This recognition is a true testament to the profound impact of your service and leadership.

https://sumocancer.org/In_the_news/?rkey=20260803CG17829&filter=14438

01/08/2026

Sunscreen Is Just One Layer of Protection

When it comes to protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, sunscreen is an important tool—but it shouldn't be your only one.

The most effective approach is to combine multiple forms of sun protection whenever you're outdoors.

Build your sun safety routine by:

• Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

• Wearing sun-protective clothing, including long sleeves or fabrics with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating when practical.

• Choosing a wide-brim hat to help protect your face, ears, and neck.

• Wearing sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays.

• Seeking shade, especially during the middle of the day when UV radiation is strongest.

• Checking the UV Index before heading outside so you know when extra precautions may be needed.

No single step can eliminate UV exposure, but together these layers of protection can help reduce your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Learn more about sun safety and melanoma prevention at AIMatMelanoma.org