Melanoma Research Alliance Applauds FDA Approval of First Cellular Therapy in Melanoma

17 February 2024 | Saturday | News


The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research worldwide, celebrates the decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve Iovance Biotherapeutics' AMTAGVI™ (lifileucel) for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma in the second-line treatment setting.
Image Source : Public Domain

Image Source : Public Domain

 

AMTAGVI marks the first individualized Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy to receive FDA approval for any cancer. In this innovative therapy, immune cells called lymphocytes are harvested from a patient's tumor, expanded in the lab, and then reintroduced into the patient after chemotherapy to target and eliminate cancer cells.

With this approval, patients who have experienced progression after standard treatments now have a promising option with this novel cell-based therapy. AMTAGVI represents a significant advancement in personalized melanoma treatment and offers hope for improved outcomes.

MRA's Chief Science Officer, Joan Levy, PhD, emphasizes the significance of this approval for the melanoma community, noting that it represents another leap forward in the field of cancer treatment. This milestone not only benefits patients with melanoma but also holds promise for future applications in other cancer types.

MRA's Chief Executive Officer, Marc Hurlbert, PhD, hails AMTAGVI as a remarkable milestone in the fight against melanoma. By leveraging patient-specific immune cells to target and combat cancer, AMTAGVI provides hope for individuals previously treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies and targeted therapies.

The FDA approval of AMTAGVI represents a pivotal moment in melanoma treatment, ushering in a new era of personalized cellular therapy for patients with advanced disease. This groundbreaking achievement underscores the collaborative efforts of researchers, clinicians, and advocates in advancing innovative treatments for melanoma and sets a promising precedent for future advancements in cancer therapy.

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