Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a type of skin cancer that can be challenging to treat, particularly in its advanced stages. However, a new drug called retifanlimab-dlwr, also known as Zynyz, has been approved as of March 2023 to help combat this disease. It is an immune-check point inhibitor (anti PD-1 antibody). This drug is specifically intended for adult patients who have metastatic or recurrent locally advanced MCC and have not previously undergone systemic therapy for advanced MCC.
To determine the safety and efficacy of retifanlimab-dlwr, a study called PODIUM-201 (NCT03599713) was conducted. This open-label, multiregional, single-arm study revealed that the overall response rate for patients who received the drug was 52%, with a complete response rate of 18%. These results suggest that retifanlimab-dlwr may be a promising new treatment option for patients with MCC.
Retifanlimab-dlwr is administered intravenously as a 30-minute infusion every four weeks, until the patient’s disease progresses, they experience unacceptable toxicity, or for up to 24 months. It’s important to note that patients should only use this drug under the guidance and advice of their physician. Additionally, further follow-up data from real-world use of the drug is still awaited.
