Real-World Clinical Outcomes with First-Line Avelumab in Locally Advanced/metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma in the USA: SPEAR-Merkel

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To assess clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced (la) or metastatic (m) Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) initiating first-line (1L) avelumab in a USA community oncology setting. <b>Materials & methods:</b> Adults with laMCC or mMCC initiating 1L avelumab were identified from The US Oncology Network electronic health record database and chart review. <b>Results:</b> Median overall survival and progression-free survival were not reached in laMCC (n = 9) vs 20.2 and 10.0 months in mMCC (n = 19); response rates were similar (66.7% vs 63.2%). <b>Conclusion:</b> This is the first study to show clinical benefit in patients with laMCC receiving 1L avelumab in a US real-world setting. Response rates in patients with mMCC were consistent with pivotal trials.