During the summer months, we conducted a survey among patients and caregivers to explore a new combination therapy for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma.  Nivolumab (Opdivo), which many of you may recognize as an already approved treatment for melanoma, has been combined with a new therapy called Relatlimab (Opdualag).  Relatlimab is a first-in-class human IgG4 LAG-3–blocking antibody that binds to LAG-3 and restores the effector function of exhausted T cells (the cells that help fight disease, including cancer). This combination has had positive results in treating unresectable and metastatic melanoma patients. 

We provided a patient submission in support of the approval of this therapy to both CADTH and INESSS (in Quebec), after collecting significant responses.  We’re happy to share that Nivolumab and Relatlimab have received a positive reimbursement recommendation from CADTH. We hope that the combination therapy of Nivolumab and Relatlimab moves quickly through price negotiations and then provincial listing on the respective drug formularies.  In the interim, this combination may be available through special access programs.  As always, please consult with your oncologist. 

We’re very pleased with CADTH’s recommendation that will provide patients with another effective treatment option. It is encouraging to see that despite available treatment options, CADTH and pCODR recognizes the unmet need for additional and effective treatment options for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Moreover, based on responses from the survey, we were able to see the ongoing need for better options with fewer adverse side effects and longer responses to treatment. Clinical trials have demonstrated that treatment with Nivolumab and Relatlimab when compared with Nivolumab monotherapy, results in added clinical benefit in some patients and is associated with significantly increased progression-free survival compared to monotherapy.  

To read the full draft recommendation, please click here. Additionally, we will continue to inform our patient community of any new milestones as this combination therapy progresses through the pricing and reimbursement process. 

Furthermore, Melanoma Canada recently submitted 3 other treatment options in November and December 2023, which are:  

  • Approval of Pembrolizumab as a Neo-adjuvant  treatment for stage III or IV patients. Neo-adjuvant therapy is when immunotherapy treatment is administered before surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.  
  • Ipilimumab and Nivolumab combination therapy as a first line therapy for treatment of patients with progression during or up to 6 months while on adjuvant therapy. 
  • Adjuvant Nivolumab for stage IIB or IIC patients following complete resection through surgery. 

 We are waiting for those recommendations.