Dr. Janku on the Efficacy of Ripretinib in KIT-Mutated Melanoma

Filip Janku, MD, PhD, discusses the results form a phase 1 study (NCT02571036) of ripretinib (Qinlock), a broad-spectrum KIT and PDGFRA inhibitor, in patients with KIT-mutated or KIT-amplified melanoma.

The data that came out of this study demonstrated a higher efficacy than what has previously been reported, according to Janku. When evaluating confirmed responses with stringent criteria, 1 complete response and 5 partial responses were observed, which translates to an overall response rate of approximately 23% in the intent-to-treat population of 26 patients, Janku explains.

There were additionally 2 unconfirmed responses, and with these included, the ORR would be 31%, Janku adds. Even more importantly, the patient responses to ripretinib proved to be durable, with a median duration of response over 9.0 months, and a progression-free survival of 7.3 months, which is the most positive data ever reported for this patient population, Janku concludes.