Currently, the standards-of-care for advanced/metastatic (stage III or IV) melanoma include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation. Some patients are given anti-PD-1 inhibitors. However, only around 20-30% of those living with metastatic melanoma get any benefit from these anti-PD-1 treatments. There is an unmet need in terms of metastatic melanoma treatments to help improve outcomes.

According to OncLive, AVS100 could be an effective option. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted Orphan Drug designation to AVS100 for stages IIB-IV melanoma. Orphan Drug designation is granted to drugs or biologics intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent rare conditions (affecting fewer than 200,000 people within the United States). Incentives for this designation include fee waivers, tax credits, and seven years of market exclusivity upon drug approval. 

So far, preclinical studies of AVS100 have been positive. The therapy has been shown to stop or reduce tumor growth, increase macrophages within the tumor microenvironment, downregulate PD-L1 expression, and improve overall survival rates.

Drug developer Avstera Therapeutics Corp. (“Avstera”) also believes that AVS100, a potent HDAC6 inhibitor, could potentially alter the tumor microenvironment to make it more susceptible to immunotherapy. 

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most serious and severe form of skin cancer and develops in melanocytes (melanin-producing cells). While this form of cancer can occur in children, it is most common in adults. The cancer often forms on areas of the skin with high sun exposure, such as the shoulders, head, neck, arms, and legs. However, it can also form or spread in other areas of the body such as the eyes, nose, or throat. Risk factors include UV light exposure, having many moles, a family history of melanoma, and fair skin.

But how can you determine what is a normal mole versus melanoma? Consider using the ABCDE guide. Melanomas are more likely to have: 

• Asymmetrical shapes – if your mole is asymmetrical, with one half of the shape not matching the other, it could signify melanoma.
• Irregular borders – normal moles typically have a distinct border, whereas melanoma can have irregular, notched, or ragged borders. 
• Changes in color – normal moles are often black, brown, or tan. If your mole has multiple different colors, it could signify an issue.
• Diameters greater than ¼ inch – a typical mole is often smaller than ¼ of an inch, or the size of a pencil eraser. Larger moles could signify cancer. 
• Evolution – if your mole is growing bigger, changing color, itching, bleeding, or otherwise “evolving” over time, consider getting it examined.