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Articles by Michael A. Postow
Five-year survival with neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma: updated pooled analysis from the International Neoadjuvant Melanoma Consortium (INMC)
Abstract Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard of care for resectable stage IIIB–D melanoma, but knowledge gaps remain regarding optimal treatment type, long-term survival, postsurgical management and clinical, histopathological or molecular subgroups.
Comprehensive analysis of germline pathogenic variants across melanoma
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Abstract Although a heritable component is implicated in ~10% of melanomas, the prevalence and functional relevance of germline pathogenic variants (gPVs) in unselected patients remains unknown. We evaluated 701 patients with melanoma who underwent tumor-normal MSK-IMPACT sequencing (2015–2023) and germline analysis of ≥76 cancer predisposition genes. Biallelic inactivation was assessed via loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and somatic second hits.
By Sarah E. Lochrin, Henry Walch, Yelena Kemel, Hannah L. Kalvin, Yonina R. Murciano-Goroff, Miika Mehine, James W. Smithy, Monica Chen Verified, Diana Mandelker, Parisa Momtaz, Michael A. Postow, Chaitanya Bandlamudi, Daniel Muldoon, Michael Berger, Katherine S. Panageas, Walid K. Chatila, Zsofia K. Stadler, Alexander N. Shoushtari
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Nature
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Years of life lost in patients with a false-negative diagnosis of primary melanoma. A prospective study of the German Central Malignant Melanoma Registry involving 9063 patients over 28 years
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Abstract A false-negative diagnosis of cancer can lead to a delay in effective treatment and a poorer prognosis. Here, we use the example of cutaneous melanoma to examine how many years of life are lost after a false-negative diagnosis compared to a primarily correct diagnosis. From 1996 to 2015, 9,063 patients are prospectively registered in the German Central Malignant Melanoma Registry and followed up until December 2023. A false-negative diagnosis is found in 206 (2.3%) patients.
By Claus Garbe, Ulrike Keim, Teresa Amaral, Paolo A Ascierto, Jürgen M. Bauer, Reinhard Dummer, Alexander M. M. Eggermont, Thomas Eigentler, Lukas Flatz, Stephan Forchhammer, Andrea Forschner, Sara Gandini, Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, Axel Hauschild, Christoph Hoeller, John Kirkwood, Céleste Lebbe, Georgina V. Long, Paul Lorigan, Jason Luke, Friedegund Meier, Gisela Metzler, Paul Nathan, Michael A. Postow, Caroline Robert, Martin Röcken, Dirk Schadendorf, Benjamin Weide, David Whiteman, Ulrike Leiter, Peter Martus
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Nature
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CD8 PET imaging with [ 89 Zr]Zr-berdoxam-crefmirlimab in patients with solid tumors: the Phase II iCorrelate study
CD8 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with [89Zr]Zr-berdoxam-crefmirlimab has been shown to be safe in patients with advanced cancer. However, it was previously unknown how well CD8 PET imaging with [89Zr]Zr-berdoxam-crefmirlimab correlates with standard CD8 assessment by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Recent Advances Reshape Management of Melanoma Brain Metastases
This transcript has been lightly edited for style and clarity. James Smithy, MD: Hi, everyone. I’m Dr. Smithy. I’m a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Melanoma and Cellular Therapy Services. I’m excited to host today’s roundtable on advanced melanoma management. I’m with Dr. Tarhini and Dr. Postow. I’ll turn it over to them to introduce themselves. Dr. Tarhini? Ahmad Tarhini, MD, PhD: Thanks, James.
How to Choose Between Immunotherapy Combos for Advanced Melanoma?
This transcript has been lightly edited for style and clarity. James Smithy, MD: Hi everyone. I’m Dr. Smithy. I’m a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Melanoma and Cellular Therapy Services. I’m excited to host today’s roundtable on advanced melanoma management. I’m with Dr. Tarhini and Dr. Postow. I’ll turn it over to them to introduce themselves. Dr. Tarhini? Ahmad Tarhini, MD, PhD: Thanks, James.
Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy? Navigating Frontline Choices in Advanced Melanoma
This transcript has been lightly edited for style and clarity. James Smithy, MD: Hi everyone. I’m Dr. Smithy. I’m a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Melanoma and Cellular Therapy Services. I’m excited to host today’s roundtable on advanced melanoma management. I’m with Dr. Tarhini and Dr. Postow. I’ll turn it over to them to introduce themselves. Dr. Tarhini. Ahmad Tarhini, MD, PhD: Thanks, James.
Fc-optimized CD40 agonistic antibody elicits tertiary lymphoid structure formation and systemic antitumor immunity in metastatic cancer
Keywords CD40 Fc receptor FcγRIIB antibody engineering tertiary lymphoid structures complete response clinical trial cancer immunotherapy dendritic cell Introduction Blocking inhibitory immune receptors with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies (Abs) is now established as an effective therapeutic strategy for several malignancies.1,2,3 However, the benefit of these therapies remains limited to a small subset of patients.
Fc-optimized CD40 agonistic antibody elicits tertiary lymphoid structure formation and systemic antitumor immunity in metastatic cancer
Keywords CD40 Fc receptor FcγRIIB antibody engineering tertiary lymphoid structures complete response clinical trial cancer immunotherapy dendritic cell Introduction Blocking inhibitory immune receptors with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies (Abs) is now established as an effective therapeutic strategy for several malignancies.1,2,3 However, the benefit of these therapies remains limited to a small subset of patients.
Managing Complexity: Care Coordination for CNS Metastases
August 8, 2025 By Panelists discuss the current standard of care for metastatic melanoma with asymptomatic brain metastases, emphasizing the durability of CTLA-4 plus PD-1 immunotherapy, the emerging but unproven role of newer combinations like PD-1 plus LAG-3, and the importance of multidisciplinary coordination, patient education, and timely intervention in managing both asymptomatic and symptomatic brain involvement.
Immunotherapy for CNS Melanoma: RELATIVITY-020’s Intracranial Efficacy Data
August 8, 2025 By Panelists discuss evolving treatment strategies for metastatic melanoma with asymptomatic brain metastases, highlighting the superiority of PD-1 plus CTLA-4 combination therapy for durable intracranial responses, while noting that newer immunotherapy combinations like PD-1 plus LAG-3 show promise but require further evidence before altering current standards of care.
When Melanoma Spreads to the Brain: Michael’s Story
When Melanoma Spreads to the Brain: Michael’s Story This is an actor portrayal of a hypothetical patient profile developed for educational purposes based on characteristics of patients with multiple myeloma as seen in clinical practice. The hypothetical case was co-developed by staff medical writers with Cancer Network/ONN.” Stay up to date on recent advances in the multidisciplinary approach to cancer.
Patient Support Strategies in Metastatic Melanoma: Multidisciplinary Perspectives
August 1, 2025 By Panelists discuss the importance of patient-centered communication in metastatic melanoma care, emphasizing how clinicians convey the trade-offs between rapid responses from targeted therapies and the durable, immune-driven benefits of immunotherapy, while guiding patients through realistic expectations, personalized goals, and the long-term potential of treatment.
The Road Ahead: Future Directions in Metastatic Melanoma Treatment
Effective communication and strong connections between patients, their families, and health care teams are crucial, especially in the era of immunotherapy. Early recognition of treatment toxicities, like adrenal insufficiency, can prevent serious complications. Establishing clear, accessible communication channels such as patient portals, phone lines, or electronic messaging ensures patients feel supported and informed.
The Multidisciplinary Approach: Optimizing Outcomes for Complex Cases
A 52-year-old patient with metastatic melanoma presents a particularly challenging case due to the presence of asymptomatic brain metastases. Despite having multiple small lesions in the brain and lungs, the patient maintains an excellent performance status and normal laboratory markers, appearing healthy and active. This highlights a common difficulty in melanoma care: The brain involvement can be clinically silent but remains a critical factor in disease management and prognosis.
When Melanoma Spreads to the Brain: Michael’s Story
August 1, 2025 By This is an actor portrayal of a hypothetical patient profile developed for educational purposes based on characteristics of patients with multiple myeloma as seen in clinical practice. The hypothetical case was co-developed by staff Medical Writers with Cancer Network/ONN. Stay up to date on recent advances in oncology nursing and patient care.
Nivo-Rela vs Nivo-Ipi: What 4-Year ITC and Real-World Data Tell Us About Treatment Selection
July 25, 2025 By Panelists discuss real-world evidence comparing immunotherapy combinations for metastatic melanoma, highlighting retrospective analyses showing similar efficacy between nivolumab plus relatlimab and nivolumab plus ipilimumab, while emphasizing the relatlimab-based regimen’s lower toxicity and the need for individualized treatment decisions in patients who fall outside typical clinical trial populations.
RELATIVITY-047 at 4 Years: What Long-Term Data Mean for Sarah’s Treatment Options
July 25, 2025 By Panelists discuss the prioritization of immunotherapy over targeted therapy for BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma, highlighting updated RELATIVITY-047 data supporting nivolumab plus relatlimab for its durable efficacy and favorable toxicity profile, and emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment selection based on evolving evidence, patient goals, and comparative analyses of combination regimens.
Proactive Toxicity Management Strategies Across Immunotherapy Combinations in Metastatic Melanoma
When managing side effects of immunotherapy, patient education and communication are vital. Patients are informed upfront that these treatments stimulate the immune system, which can affect various tissues and cause a wide range of side effects. Emphasis is placed on the more common and serious toxicities, such as colitis, hepatitis, and pneumonitis, so patients know what symptoms to watch for and when to seek help.
Patient-Centered Care: Helping Sarah Navigate Treatment Choices
Patients with metastatic melanoma and high disease burden starting immunotherapy require careful and continuous monitoring to assess treatment response and manage symptoms. It is crucial to set clear and realistic expectations from the outset, explaining that responses to treatment can vary widely. Some patients may experience rapid improvement, while others might initially seem worse before getting better. There is also the possibility that the disease progresses despite therapy.
Translating RELATIVITY-020 Part E Dosing Insights to Clinical Practice
The discussion opened by reviewing the evolving treatment landscape for metastatic melanoma, particularly in patients with BRAF-mutant disease and high tumor burden. In a typical case, like a 46-year-old patient with multiple pulmonary and hepatic lesions, selecting between immune checkpoint combinations and targeted therapies depends on disease symptoms, patient preferences, and therapeutic goals.
Case Study: Sarah’s Journey With High-Burden BRAF V600E Melanoma
July 18, 2025 By This is an actor portrayal of a hypothetical patient profile developed for educational purposes based on characteristics of patients with multiple myeloma as seen in clinical practice. The hypothetical case was co-developed by staff medical writers with Cancer Network/ONN. This is an actor portrayal of a hypothetical patient profile developed for educational purposes based on characteristics of patients with multiple myeloma as seen in clinical practice.
Scalable topic modelling decodes spatial tissue architecture for large-scale multiplexed imaging analysis - Nature Communications
Abstract Recent progress in multiplexed tissue imaging is deepening our understanding of tumor microenvironments related to treatment response and disease progression. However, analyzing whole-slide images with millions of cells remains computationally challenging, and few methods provide a principled approach for integrative analysis across images. Here, we introduce SpatialTopic, a spatial topic model designed to decode high-level spatial tissue architecture from multiplexed images.
Inherited mitochondrial genetics as a predictor of immune checkpoint inhibition efficacy in melanoma - Nature Medicine
Abstract Response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in metastatic melanoma (MM) varies among patients, and current baseline biomarkers predicting treatment outcomes are limited.
Top advances of the year: Neoadjuvant immunotherapy in melanoma
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Neoadjuvant Relatlimab and Nivolumab in Resectable Melanoma
Relatlimab and nivolumab combination immunotherapy improves progression-free survival over nivolumab monotherapy in patients with unresectable advanced melanoma1. We investigated this regimen in patients with resectable clinical stage III or oligometastatic stage IV melanoma (NCT02519322). Patients received two neoadjuvant doses (nivolumab 480 mg and relatlimab 160 mg intravenously every 4 weeks) followed by surgery, and then ten doses of adjuvant combination therapy.
Ultrasensitive plasma-based monitoring of tumor burden using machine-learning-guided signal enrichment - Nature Medicine
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Abstract In solid tumor oncology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is poised to transform care through accurate assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) and therapeutic response monitoring. To overcome the sparsity of ctDNA fragments in low tumor fraction (TF) settings and increase MRD sensitivity, we previously leveraged genome-wide mutational integration through plasma whole-genome sequencing (WGS).
By Adam Widman, Amanda Frydendahl, Jake Bass, Laura Andersen, Will Liao, Mads Heilskov Rasmussen, Sarah Jensen, Jesper Nors, Christina Therkildsen, Ryan Brand, Joshua S. Schiffman, Ronak Shah, Alexandre Pellan Cheng, colleen maher, Dennie T. Frederick, Diego Villa, Andrew J. Mungall, Elena Zaikova, Esther Kong, Daniel Lai, Margaret K. Callahan, Genevieve M. Boland, Jedd D. Wolchok, Samra Turajlic, Marcin Imielinski, Michael Berger, Sam Aparicio, Nasser K. Altorki, Michael A. Postow, Nicolas Robine, Claus Andersen
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Nature
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Adjuvant checkpoint blockade following complete local therapy for melanoma metastases
Although metastasectomy and ablative radiotherapy are accepted standards for patients with oligometastatic stage IV melanoma,approximately 75–80% of patients who undergo surgical resection of melanoma metastases will have future melanoma recurrences.Recurrence rates and stage IV prognoses in general, however, are improving with antibody therapies that enhance anti-tumour immunity by inhibiting PD-1 (pembrolizumab and nivolumab) and CTLA-4 (ipilimumab).Despite the substantial improvements in...
ASCO 2022: Encouraging Data for Patient Subgroups in the Treatment of Melanoma
close Please confirm that you would like to log out of Medscape. If you log out, you will be required to enter your username and password the next time you visit. Log out Cancel Perspective > Medscape > MDAngle In a postconference meditation, Michael A. Postow, MD, considers the practical applications of data presented at ASCO 2022, with an emphasis on the potential impact on certain patient subgroups.
ASCO 2022: An Abundance of Data for the Field of Melanoma
close Please confirm that you would like to log out of Medscape. If you log out, you will be required to enter your username and password the next time you visit. Log out Cancel Perspective > Medscape > MDAngle Michael Postow, MD, offers an immediate reflection on compelling data surrounding adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments for melanoma, as well as other items of clinical interest, presented at the ASCO 2022 conference.
Adaptive Dosing of Nivolumab + Ipilimumab Immunotherapy Based Upon Early, Interim Radiographic Assessment in Advanced Melanoma (The ADAPT-IT Study)
Abstract Nivolumab + ipilimumab (nivo + ipi) is highly efficacious but has high toxicity. Standard treatment in advanced melanoma is four doses of nivo + ipi followed by nivo alone. Whether four doses of nivo + ipi are needed is unclear. The Adaptively Dosed ImmunoTherapy Trial (ADAPT-IT) study (NCT03122522) is a multicenter, single-arm phase II clinical trial. Patients received two doses of nivo (1 mg/kg) + ipi (3 mg/kg) followed by a computed tomography scan at week 6.
LAG-3 expression on peripheral blood cells identifies patients with poorer outcomes after immune checkpoint blockade
Pinpointing checkpoint response Immune checkpoint inhibitors can aid the immune system of some to effectively attack tumors, but identifying those patients for whom they will be effective is still a challenge. Arora et al. investigated the abundances of different types of immune cells in the peripheral blood of patients with cancer who had better or worse outcomes after immunotherapy treatment.
Dermatologic infections in cancer patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors
Background The incidence of dermatologic infections in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has not been systematically described. Objective Identify the incidence of dermatologic infections in patients who received CPIs. Methods Retrospective review of dermatologic infections in patients who received CPIs between 2005 and 2020 and were evaluated by dermatologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat cutaneous malignancies
As the incidence of cutaneous malignancies continues to rise and their treatment with immunotherapy expands, dermatologists and their patients are more likely to encounter immune checkpoint inhibitors.
A Prospective, Phase 1 Trial of Nivolumab, Ipilimumab, and Radiotherapy in Patients with Advanced Melanoma
Research Article Michael A. Postow, Susan J. Knox, Debra A Goldman, Yuval Elhanati, Vikram Mavinkurve, Phillip Wong, Darragh F. Halpenny, Sunil A Reddy, Kenya P Vado, Danielle McCabe, Kristen Aufiero Ramirez, Mary Macri, Paul Schwarzenberger, Toni Ricciardi, Aileen Ryan, Ralph R Venhaus, Parisa Momtaz, Alexander N Shoushtari, Margaret K. Callahan, Paul B. Chapman, Jedd D. Wolchok, Priyanka B. Subrahmanyam, Holden T Maecker, Katherine S. Panageas and Christopher A.
First-in-human imaging with 89Zr-Df-IAB22M2C anti-CD8 minibody in patients with solid malignancies: preliminary pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and lesion targeting
Neeta Pandit-Taskar1, Michael Postow1, Matthew Hellmann1, James Harding1, Christopher Barker1, Joseph O'Donoghue1, Martha Ziolkowska1, Shutian Ruan1, Serge Lyashchenko1, Frank Tsai2, Michael Farwell3, Tara Mitchell3, Ron Korn4, William Le5, Jason Lewis1, Wolfgang Weber1, Deepak Behera5, Ian Wilson5, Michael Gordon2, Anna Wu5 and Jedd Wolchok1 1 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States; 2 Honor Health; 3 University of Pennsylvania; 4 Imaging Endpoints; 5 ImaginAb, Inc.
Peripheral T cell receptor diversity is associated with clinical outcomes following ipilimumab treatment in metastatic melanoma
Michael A. Postow, Manuarii Manuel, Phillip Wong, Jianda Yuan, Zhiwan Dong, Cailian Liu, Solène Perez, Isabelle Tanneau, Marlène Noel, Anaïs Courtier, Nicolas Pasqual, and Jedd D. Wolchok Michael A.
Treatment Outcomes of Immune-Related Cutaneous Adverse Events
The aim of the current study was to report the efficacy of topical and systemic treatments for immune-related cutaneous adverse events (ircAEs) attributed to checkpoint inhibitors in an uncontrolled cohort of patients referred to oncodermatology clinics. A retrospective analysis of patients with ircAEs evaluated by dermatologists from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017, at three tertiary care hospitals and cancer centers were identified through electronic medical records.
Melanoma Advances: Where We Are and Where We're Going
The biggest advance that the melanoma space has seen in recent years is the advent of combination therapies, according to Douglas B. Johnson, MD, clinical director of the Melanoma Research Program and assistant professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Response rates have increased thanks to the combination of immunotherapy agents, as well as combining BRAF and MEK inhibitors.
Immune‐related Adverse Events in Cancer Patients
The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties. Special Contribution Immune‐related Adverse Events in Cancer Patients Christopher W. Baugh MD, MBA Corresponding Author E-mail address: cbaugh@partners.org Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Address for correspondence and reprints: Christopher W.
Non-conventional Inhibitory CD4+Foxp3-PD-1hi T Cells as a Biomarker of Immune Checkpoint Blockade Activity
In the originally published version of this article, the Declaration of Interests section only contained a patent related to this work. Although the below additional disclosures are not directly relevant to the published work, the authors put them forward in the spirit of full transparency. The updated Declaration of Interests disclosure, including a list of author interactions with industry, relevant or not relevant to the study, is reported here and in the online version of the paper.
Data emerge on new immunotherapeutic targets for melanoma
Disclosure: Postow reports advisory board roles with Array BioPharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Incyte, Merck, NewLink and Novartis, as well as honoraria from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck. Postow M. New immunotherapeutic targets in melanoma: What does the future hold? Presented at: HemOnc Today New York; March 8-10, 2018; New York. “As long as we get response rates that are less than 20%, it leaves the field open to other combinations,” Postow said.
Immune-Related Adverse Events Associated with Immune Checkpoint Blockade
This article is available to subscribers. Subscribe now. Already have an account? Sign in Review ArticleFree Preview List of authors. Michael A. Postow, M.D., Robert Sidlow, M.D., and Matthew D. Hellmann, M.D. Related Articles The wide range of immune-related adverse effects associated with immune checkpoint blockade can complicate this effective therapy and limit its use in patients with cancer. This review surveys the adverse effects and their management.
Endocrine-Related Adverse Events Associated With Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Expert Insights on Their Management
Symptoms of immune-related endocrinopathies can be relatively non-specific, making diagnosis challenging [4][4]. The non-specific nature of these symptoms may resemble those from other causes (eg, brain metastases). Clinical signs and symptoms depend on the affected target organ.
Nivolumab 5-Year Survival Rate Exceeds Expectations in NSCLC
Long-term survival in patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo) has proven to be much higher than expected, with 16% of these patients surviving after 5 years, equivalent to about 4 times what would be expected with chemotherapy.What explains the extended survival of these 16 patients, however, remains an important area of further investigation, as the analysis found that nothing really stood out to predict who...
Immunotherapy Emerging as Potential Option for Mesothelioma
Chemotherapy is the only approved first-line therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma, which makes up 90% of malignant mesothelioma cases, and there is no approved second-line therapy.
Brain Trust: Research Accelerated to Improve GBM Survival
The landscape for the treatment of brain cancer is improving, with researchers and patient advocates hoping the surge in clinical studies will pave the way for new approaches and drug combinations to treat these tumors. Among these are the 15% of brain cancers that are the most aggressive – glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
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