Janice Mehnert, MD
Professor, Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Director, Melanoma Medical Oncology Program
Associate Director, Clinical Research, Perlmutter Cancer Center
Title: Beyond Checkpoint Blockade: Vaccines and the Next Era of Melanoma Immunotherapy
Description: Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has transformed perioperative melanoma therapy, but patients without major pathologic response derive limited benefit. This talk will highlight the role of neoantigens as the main drivers of tumor immunogenicity. Through leveraging neoantigens, a novel strategy to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients without major pathologic response with ICB is incorporating individualized neoantigen therapy (INT) into adjuvant regimen. Results from current and ongoing research studies will provide a rationale for sNEO-enriched personalized vaccine strategies that enhance ICB efficacy, overcome resistance, and guide biomarker-driven strategies across tumor types. The presentation will provide in-depth analysis on what has been learned from the intismeran (V940) personalized vaccine and implications for future care.