ASCO 2025: Advances in Melanoma Treatment with TILs and Dietary Insights

At the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, significant advancements in melanoma treatment were presented, focusing on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), strategies to reduce toxicity in immunotherapy, and the impact of dietary factors on treatment outcomes. Dr. Teresa Amaral, MD, PhD, led the discussions on these pivotal topics, emphasizing the evolving landscape of melanoma therapy.

The introduction of TIL therapy has emerged as a promising approach for melanoma patients, particularly those resistant to traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors. According to preliminary data presented by Dr. Amaral, a new engineered TIL cell therapy shows feasibility in administering treatment without interleukin-2 and with reduced lymphodepleting chemotherapy. This method has yielded an overall response rate of approximately 67%, suggesting a potential for broader application among patients who may otherwise not qualify due to their frail condition (Amaral, 2025).

Notably, the long-term efficacy of lifileucel, another TIL product, was highlighted, with data indicating that about 20% of patients remained alive five years post-treatment. The study suggested that patients who respond to TIL therapy have significantly improved long-term outcomes, reinforcing the need for continuous research into TIL characteristics that affect patient responses (Amaral, 2025).

Dr. Amaral also underscored the importance of addressing the toxicity associated with immunotherapy. A recent investigation into the use of sarilumab, an interleukin-6 receptor blocker, showed promising results in patients undergoing a triple combination therapy of ipilimumab, nivolumab, and relatlimab. The study reported a decrease in severe immune-related adverse events to 12% while achieving an overall response rate exceeding 60% (Amaral, 2025).

Moreover, dietary factors may play a role in enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy. A randomized phase 2 trial evaluated the effects of a high-fiber diet on patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors, revealing that such dietary changes could potentially improve treatment responses. However, Dr. Amaral cautioned that these findings are preliminary and require further validation before widespread implementation (Amaral, 2025).

In addition to the rapid communications, the congress featured oral presentations on significant adjuvant trials. One key trial, RELATIVITY-098, which compared PD-1 monotherapy to PD-1 combined with a LAG-3 inhibitor, did not demonstrate improved relapse-free survival compared to monotherapy. The results underscored the necessity of understanding negative trial outcomes to inform future research directions (Amaral, 2025).

The evolving landscape of melanoma treatment, particularly with the integration of TIL therapies and the understanding of dietary influences, presents new avenues for improving patient outcomes. Continued research and clinical trials will be essential in establishing these findings and translating them into practice, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life and survival rates for melanoma patients worldwide.