Combination of Pembrolizumab with Electrochemotherapy in Cutaneous Metastases from Melanoma: A Comparative Retrospective Study from the InspECT and Slovenian Cancer Registry

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an effective locoregional therapy for cutaneous melanoma metastases and has been safely combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in preliminary experiences. Since ECT known to induce immunogenic cell death, its combination might be beneficial. In this study, we aimed investigate the effectiveness of on pembrolizumab. We undertook a retrospective matched cohort analysis stage IIIC–IV patients, included International Network sharing practices (InspECT) Slovenian Cancer Registry. compared outcome patients who received following treatments: (a) pembrolizumab alone, (b) plus ECT, (c) ECT. The groups were age, sex, performance status, size skin metastases. local objective response rate (ORR) was higher pembrolizumab-ECT group than (78% 39%, p < 0.001). 1 year progression-free survival (LPFS) rates 86% 51% (p 0.001), systemic PFS 64% respectively = 0.034). overall (OS) 88% 64%, 0.006). Our results suggest that skin-directed improves superficial tumor control treated Interestingly, observed longer OS group. These findings warrant prospective confirmation.