SITC 2021 | Safety and preliminary evidence for efficacy for propranolol + pembrolizumab in metastatic melanoma

Marc S. Ernstoff, MD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, gives us an update on the results of a Phase I dose-escalation study evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of propranolol hydrochloride plus pembrolizumab in locally advanced and metastatic melanoma (NCT03384836). The trial reported no dose-limiting toxicities and the recommended phase 2 dose was determined at 30 mg propranolol twice daily (BID). Common treatment-related adverse events included rash, fatigue and vitiligo in 44% of patients. Only one of nine patients developed two grade 3/4 adverse events. In addition, this combination showed promising efficacy, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 78%. There were no significant changes in treatment-associated biomarkers. This interview took place during the 36th Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.