Redefining Immunotherapy (Ep. 2): Predict, Treat, Monitor: The Quest for Smarter Immunotherapy Decisions

In our second episode of our special vodcast series, Redefining Immunotherapy: Lessons from Melanoma, our experts tackle one of the biggest challenges in modern oncology: how do we make smarter immunotherapy decisions for individual patients?

The panel explores the real-world factors that shape treatment selection in advanced melanoma; from tumour burden, brain and liver metastases, and BRAF mutation status, to patient age, fitness and comorbidities. They unpack the evolving role of combination immunotherapy,including PD-1 monotherapy, ipilimumab/nivolumab and newer LAG-3 combinations, while weighing the balance between efficacy and toxicity.

The discussion also dives into the promise and limitationsof biomarkers such as PD-L1, tumour mutational burden (TMB), interferon gamma signatures and MSI-high status, and examines why predicting response to immunotherapy remains one of the field’s greatest challenges.

Blending practical clinical insight with emerging research,this episode offers a thoughtful and highly relevant discussion on personalising immunotherapy in the pursuit of more durable outcomes, and ultimately, cure.

This vodcast is suitable for Medical Oncologists, Oncology Nurses and other health professionals.

SPEAKERS

• Prof Georgina Long AO - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney

• Prof Alexander Menzies - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney
• A/Prof Ines Silva - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia
• A/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney

Please note that this presentation was accurate at the time of recording (April 2026) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.

This special vodcast is an initiative of Melanoma Institute Australia and was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb.