Markovic, Svetomir

e21561 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard first-line systemic therapy for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Radiotherapy (RT) remains commonly used for local control and palliation, and growing biologic interest suggests that RT may enhance antitumor immune responses when combined with ICIs. However, population-level evidence regarding contemporary patterns of RT use and its association with survival in immunotherapy-treated patients with metastatic MCC is limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), including adults diagnosed with metastatic MCC between 2011 and 2022. Temporal trends in treatment utilization were described across the study period. Among patients diagnosed in the immunotherapy era (2017–2022), factors associated with receipt of RT were examined using multivariable logistic regression. To evaluate survival, analyses were restricted to immunotherapy-treated patients, and overall survival was compared between those who received RT and those who did not using propensity score-matched Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses, with a focus on 2-year overall survival. Results: A total of 1,736 patients with metastatic MCC were included. Following 2017, immunotherapy use increased substantially, while chemotherapy use declined; RT utilization remained relatively stable over time. In multivariable analyses restricted to the immunotherapy era, higher primary tumor stage and lymph node dissection were independently associated with RT receipt. Among immunotherapy-treated patients in the propensity score-matched cohort, RT was not associated with improved 2-year OS (aHR,1.09; 95% CI, 0.84-1.42), and Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated no significant survival difference. Conclusions: In the contemporary immunotherapy era, RT continues to be selectively incorporated into the management of metastatic MCC, particularly in patients with greater local or regional disease burden. However, among immunotherapy-treated patients, RT was not associated with improved short-term overall survival at the population level. These findings support a continued role for RT in local disease management while underscoring the need for prospective studies to better define its optimal integration with immunotherapy.

e21533 Background: Clinical decision-making in melanoma is challenged by heterogeneous disease biology, evolving treatment paradigms, and fragmented longitudinal data. Although EMRs contain real-world information, clinicians often lack tools that organize these data around clinically meaningful milestones to support pre-visit decision-making. We developed CODE-M, an AI–enabled framework designed to identify clinically similar patients (“patients like mine”) and surface outcome-relevant insights using real-world data. Methods: CODE-M was developed using data derived from EMRs at a large academic cancer center. Patient data were normalized and aligned to a clinically defined ordinal timeline spanning diagnosis, adjuvant therapy, recurrence, progression, systemic treatment, and outcomes. Similarity modeling incorporated demographics, disease stage, treatment history, longitudinal outcomes, and available molecular and genomic attributes, represented as contextual features within the timeline. AI-based similarity modeling generated retrospective cohorts reflecting shared clinical features of an index patient and supported iterative cohort generation for competing progression-free and overall survival analyses using automated Kaplan–Meier, Cox proportional hazards, and feature association models. A clinician-facing pre-visit summary presents cohort characteristics, outcomes, and relevant clinical trial options prior to patient encounters. Results: The framework reliably aligned heterogeneous longitudinal EMR data to a shared clinical timeline and generated reproducible, clinically coherent patient cohorts reflecting shared disease stage, treatment exposure, and melanoma care patterns. Iterative cohort generation enabled comparative analyses across competing cohorts, resulting in predictable shifts in observed progression-free and overall survival distributions. Pre-visit summaries and analytic outputs were reviewed by clinicians and demonstrated interpretability and relevance for visit preparation. The platform also identified clinical trials based on eligibility criteria, trial availability, and patient geographic proximity, integrating trial matching into the clinical decision workflow. Conclusions: An AI-enabled, ordinal timeline–based approach can structure real-world melanoma data to support pre-visit clinical context through patient similarity analysis and comparative outcome visualization. CODE-M summarizes observed outcomes among clinically similar patients and is intended to support contextual understanding of prior care experiences rather than generate treatment recommendations or patient-specific predictions. This framework supports clinical insight, hypothesis generation, and shared decision-making using longitudinal EMR-derived data, with applicability across oncology disease types.

e21521 Background: Outcomes following tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy vary in real-world practice, and accessible predictors are needed to inform patient selection and timing of referral. We evaluated whether baseline disease burden, metastatic distribution, and treatment delivery factors are associated with outcomes following TIL therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with metastatic melanoma treated with TIL therapy across Mayo Clinic sites (N = 27 infused). Baseline disease burden was characterized using AJCC metastatic stage and organ-specific involvement. A composite high visceral burden variable was defined as the presence of M1d disease and/or liver metastases. Bridging therapy use prior to infusion was recorded. Post-infusion IL-2 exposure was categorized as low (0-2 doses) vs. high (3-6 doses). Best overall response (BOR) was summarized using RECIST-based standard criteria. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were measured from TIL infusion and estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods with univariable Cox regression. Results: Median age at infusion was 62.0 years; 59.3% were male. Melanoma subtypes included cutaneous (81.5%) and mucosal (18.5%). Bridging therapy was used in 48.1%. Baseline metastatic stage was M1a/M1b in 18.5%, M1c in 63.0%, and M1d in 18.5%. Median follow up was 8.3 months. BOR included complete response (18.5%), partial response (37.0%), stable disease (22.2%), and progressive disease (22.2%), yielding an objective response rate of 55.6% and disease control rate of 77.8%. Patients with high visceral disease burden experienced inferior OS vs. those without high visceral burden (median 5.2 vs 13.4 months; HR 4.77, 95% CI 1.22–18.63; p = 0.014). Bridging therapy was not associated with OS or PFS. Higher post-infusion IL-2 exposure (seen in 77.8% of patients) was associated with improved OS (median 9.0 vs 3.7 months; HR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04–0.67, p = 0.005), likely reflecting early post-infusion clinical tolerance rather than a causal treatment effect. Median PFS for the cohort was 3.6 months and did not differ by IL-2 exposure ( p = 0.3), metastatic stage ( p = 0.8), bridging therapy ( p = 0.7), liver metastases ( p = 0.2), or LDH above upper limit of normal ( p = 0.1). Conclusions: The above findings are hypothesis generating and will support evaluation in larger cohort. In this real-world cohort of patients treated with TIL therapy, baseline visceral disease burden was strongly associated with survival outcomes, while bridging therapy did not compromise post-infusion efficacy among patients proceeding to infusion. Post-infusion IL-2 exposure correlated with OS and likely reflects early treatment tolerance. These readily available clinical features may inform patient counseling, referral timing, and sequencing decisions as TIL therapy enters broader clinical use.

9557 Background: High-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) is administered following tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, yet cardiotoxicity frequently limits dose delivery. The clinical significance of peri-dose troponin elevations during IL-2 remains poorly defined. We evaluated troponin kinetics during IL-2 dosing and their association with significant cardiac events and IL-2 interruption. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with metastatic melanoma treated with TIL therapy followed by inpatient high-dose IL-2 at Mayo Clinic Rochester (N = 24; 87 IL-2 doses). High-sensitivity troponin and ECGs were obtained before and after each IL-2 dose. Clinically significant cardiac events were defined as QTc prolongation > 480 ms, arrhythmias (excluding isolated sinus tachycardia), new ECG abnormalities, vasopressor requirement, or cardiology consultation. Dose-level outcomes included cardiac events and subsequent IL-2 dose interruption. Paired troponin changes were assessed using Wilcoxon signed-rank testing. Dose-level associations were evaluated using clustered logistic regression to account for repeated IL-2 doses within patients. Results: 24 patients received 87 IL-2 doses (median 3 [IQR 2 - 5]). Median age was 63 years (IQR 54 - 70), and 58% were male. Baseline troponin median was 11 ng/L (IQR 6 - 21); 38% had baseline troponin > 14 ng/L. Post-dose troponin exceeded 14 ng/L in 16/24 patients (67%) and 48/87 doses (52%). Median delta troponin was 0 ng/L (IQR −1 to 6; range −24 to 133), with post-dose levels higher than pre-dose values ( p = 0.02). Clinically significant cardiac events occurred in 33% of patients; no post-IL-2 reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed. At the dose level, cardiac events occurred only when post-dose troponin exceeded 14 ng/L (15/48 [31%] vs 0/39 doses; p < 0.001). In clustered logistic regression, post-dose troponin ≥15 ng/L was independently associated with cardiac events (OR 9.6, 95% CI 1.5 - 60.6; p = 0.02) and subsequent IL-2 dose interruption (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1 - 10.7; p = 0.04). When modeled continuously, each 1-unit increase in log-transformed post-dose troponin was associated with higher odds of cardiac events (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6 - 6.7; p = 0.001) and IL-2 interruption (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6 - 4.9; p < 0.001). Baseline troponin correlated with peak post-dose troponin (ρ = 0.44, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Peri-dose troponin elevations are common during post-TIL high-dose IL-2; however, higher post-dose troponin independently identifies clinically significant cardiac toxicity and predicts IL-2 interruption after accounting for repeated dosing within patients. Baseline troponin modestly predicts peak elevations, supporting standardized, risk-stratified troponin monitoring and prospective evaluation of toxicity-adaptive IL-2 delivery strategies in TIL therapy.

9558 Background: Ipilimumab 3 mg/kg plus nivolumab 1 mg/kg (Ipi3+Nivo1) is the standard immunotherapy regimen for metastatic melanoma with brain metastases (MBM) but is associated with significant immune-related toxicity, particularly neurologic toxicity. Ipilimumab 1 mg/kg plus nivolumab 3 mg/kg (Ipi1+Nivo3) has demonstrated improved tolerability in extracranial melanoma, though comparative data in MBM are limited. We compared efficacy and toxicity of these dosing strategies in a multisite real-world cohort. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with MBM treated with ipilimumab plus nivolumab across three Mayo Clinic sites between 2016 and 2024. Patients were classified by induction dosing as Ipi1+Nivo3 or Ipi3+Nivo1. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Best overall response (BOR) and toxicity outcomes were summarized descriptively. Results: Among 147 patients (Ipi1+Nivo3 n=32; Ipi3+Nivo1 n=115), 144 were evaluable for survival. Median age was higher in the Ipi1+Nivo3 group (69.5 vs 66.0 years); males predominated in both groups (71.9% vs 61.7%), and the cohort was predominantly White (>96%). Most patients had ECOG 0–1 in both groups (84.4% in Ipi1+ Nivo3 and 90.4% in Ipi3+Nivo1). BRAF mutation status was balanced between regimens, with approximately half of patients harboring BRAF-mutant disease (51.6% vs 53.2%). Median OS was 18.5 months (95% CI, 5.7–54.7) with Ipi1+Nivo3 versus 10.6 months (95% CI, 6.5–19.1) with Ipi3+Nivo1 (log-rank p=0.25). Two-year OS was 45.9% and 35.0%, and five-year OS was 24.5% and 19.2%, respectively. Median PFS was 7.3 months (95% CI, 1.8–10.9) versus 2.8 months (95% CI, 2.1–4.4) (log-rank p=0.16). BOR was available for 138 patients; objective response rates were 35.5% and 31.8%, respectively. 3–5 adverse events occurred in 24.1% of Ipi1+Nivo3 versus 30.5% of Ipi3+Nivo1 patients. Hospitalizations were less frequent (16.7% vs 36.1%), and neurologic adverse events occurred only with Ipi3+Nivo1 (11.9% vs 0%). Conclusions: In this multisite real-world MBM cohort, Ipi1+Nivo3 demonstrated comparable efficacy, numerically longer survival, and a more favorable toxicity profile compared with standard Ipi3+Nivo1. Notably, no neurologic toxicity was observed with the Ipi1+Nivo3 regimen. These findings support further prospective evaluation of lower dose ipilimumab strategies. Response and survival outcomes. Outcome Ipi1 + Nivo3 Ipi3 + Nivo1 Complete response (CR) 2 / 31 (6.5%) 8 / 107 (7.5%) Partial response (PR) 9 / 31 (29.0%) 26 / 107 (24.3%) Objective response rate (ORR = CR+PR) 11 / 31 (35.5%) 34 / 107 (31.8%) Disease control rate (DCR = CR+PR+SD) 18 / 31 (58.1%) 51 / 107 (47.7%) Median PFS, months (95% CI) 7.3 (1.8–10.9) 2.8 (2.1–4.4) 2-year PFS 27.6% 22.3% Median OS, months (95% CI) 18.5 (5.7–54.7) 10.6 (6.5–19.1) 2-year OS 45.9% 35.0% 5-year OS 24.5% 19.2%

9523 Background: Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Melanoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy, comprising 1% of melanoma cases and 0.07% of brain tumors. Due to its rarity, its natural history, molecular features and optimal management remain poorly defined. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients at our institution between January 1998 and October 2025 with primary CNS melanoma or melanocytoma with melanoma transformation. Clinical characteristics, molecular profiling, treatments and survival outcomes were collected. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: Nineteen patients were identified, including eight (42%) with melanocytoma to melanoma transformation. Median time of transformation was 34.4 months. Thirteen (68%) patients were female with a median age at diagnosis of 59.3 years. Common presenting symptoms were sensory disturbances (58%), pain (53%), motor deficits (37%) and nausea or vomiting (32%). At diagnosis, location of disease was spinal (n=12), intracranial (n=6) and multifocal (n=1). Thirteen patients had leptomeningeal involvement. Molecular profiling was performed in 15 patients, revealing mutations in GNAQ (n=7), GNA11 (n=3), CKIT (n=2), BAP1 (n=1), EIF1AX (n=1), and BRAF v600 (n=1). Thirteen (68%) patients underwent subtotal resection (STR), five (26%) gross total resection (GTR) and one radiation only. Median resected tumor size was 1.7 cm. Seventeen (94%) patients had recurrence at a median of 9.1 months, and four patients underwent repeat surgery. Fourteen (74%) patients received adjuvant radiation and 14 (74%) received immunotherapy, most commonly ipilimumab with nivolumab (71%). Nine patients received chemotherapy: temozolomide (n=5), bevacizumab (n=2) and one each of intrathecal IL-2, tebentafusp, imatinib and encorafenib with binimetininb. Four patients received chemotherapy before immunotherapy. Median OS from diagnosis of CNS melanocytoma or melanoma was 50.9 months (13.4 – 80). Median OS from time of transformation to melanoma or CNS melanoma diagnosis was 24.0 months (11.9 – NA). One-, three- and five-year OS rates were 73%, 53% and 40% respectively. GTR was associated with increased median OS compared to STR (80.0 vs 19.7 months, p= 0.02). Age at diagnosis, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, adjuvant radiation, STR with or without radiation, disease location, leptomeningeal involvement, tumor size >3cm and presence of GNAQ mutation were not associated with survival. Median PFS was 3 months with chemotherapy and 5.7 months with immunotherapy. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest single center study of primary CNS melanoma. Outcomes remain poor, with survival primarily associated with GTR. The predominance of GNAQ and GNA11 alterations with rare BRAF v600 mutations highlight the distinct biology of primary CNS melanoma and need for novel targeted therapies.

Abstract Background: Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) represent a biologically distinct and clinically aggressive subset of melanoma. Comprehensive molecular characterization focused on intracranial disease remains limited. We aimed to define the genomic landscape of MBM and compare these findings with public melanoma datasets. Methods: We retrospectively identified 166 patients with histologically confirmed MBM across Mayo Clinic tri-sites (2011-2025). Molecular testing was performed in 123 patients (74.1%). Comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS; ≥300-gene platforms including Tempus, FoundationOne, Caris, NeoGenomics, and MayoComplete Solid Tumor Panel) was available in 41 patients (24.7%). Intermediate-depth profiling using the MayoComplete Melanoma Panel (17 genes) was performed in 21 patients (12.7%), and a targeted 5-gene melanoma driver panel (BRAF, NRAS, KIT, GNAQ, GNA11) in 52 patients (31.3%). cfDNA-based NGS was available in 12 patients (7.2%). Genomic alterations were summarized and benchmarked against TCGA-SKCM and MSK-IMPACT datasets via cBioPortal. We considered assay heterogeneity, as Mayo panels varied in sequencing depth and CNV coverage, and hybrid-capture platforms often under-detect TERT promoter hotspots. Results: Patients had a median age of 67 years, and 63% were male. BRAF mutations occurred in 48.8% (BRAF V600E/K 41.6%; non-V600 7.2%). Additional MAPK alterations included NRAS (17.5%), KIT (5.4%), GNAQ (1.2%), and GNA11 (0.6%). In the comprehensive NGS subset, tumor-suppressor alterations included CDKN2A (17.5%), PTEN (7.8%), NF1 (9.0%), TP53 (8.4%), and TERT promoter mutations (22.9%). Median TMB was 11.55 mut/Mb (IQR 5.0-25.5). Co-alterations included BRAF+CDKN2A (7.2%), BRAF+PTEN (4.2%), NRAS+CDKN2A (4.2%), NRAS+PTEN (1.2%), and CDKN2A+PTEN (3.6%); overall, 18.1% harbored MAPK driver + tumor-suppressor co-alterations. Compared with TCGA and MSK cohorts, MBM showed similar MAPK driver frequencies but fewer MAPK + tumor-suppressor co-alterations and lower CDKN2A, PTEN, and TP53 disruption, alongside a more prevalent of TERT promoter mutations (22.9% vs 7% and 2.1%), which may partly reflect coverage differences. Conclusion: MBM exhibit a distinct genomic profile characterized by reduced tumor-suppressor loss, fewer MAPK-tumor-suppressor co-alterations, and higher prevalence of TERT promoter mutations. While assay heterogeneity limits direct cross-cohort comparisons, these patterns suggest potentially distinct biological features of intracranial melanoma and underscore the need for harmonized, MBM-specific molecular studies to guide therapeutic development. Citation Format: Dina Elantably, Joseph B. Parker, Jakob Hamilton, Ahmed Abdelhakeem, Oluwatayo Adeoye, Saivaishnavi Kamatham, Winston Tan, Arkadiusz Z. Dudek, Anastasios Dimou, Matthew S. Block, Robert McWilliams, Svetomir Markovic, Mahesh Seetharam, Roxana Dronca, Ruqin Chen. Genomic landscape of melanoma brain metastases: Real-world analysis and comparison with public melanoma cohorts [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 2107.

e15046 Background: BRAF V600 is the most common driver mutation in melanoma, seen in ≈50% of patients. Recently, the use of liquid biopsy assays that are based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has become widespread for diagnosis and residual disease monitoring. We have previously reported on our droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) test as a liquid biopsy for BRAF mutant (BRAFm) melanoma. Here we report the correlation between clinical and radiological parameters and ddPCR test results. Methods: Using the department of laboratory medicine archives, we have identified all biopsy proven BRAFm melanoma patients that were tested with the BRAF V600 ddPCR assay at our institution over the years 2018-2024. All patients had blood samples collected, and cell free DNA (cfDNA) was extracted from plasma using the Qiagen QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit. cfDNA was evaluated with a BioRad QX200 droplet digital PCR platform assessing for BRAF V600E/K mutations. Clinical and demographic data were collected from medical records. Radiometabolic features including volumetric data and FDG PET SUV values were collected and analyzed using the MIM software (MIM Software Inc., Beachwood, OH, USA). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess correlations between baseline variables and test results. Results: 71 patients were identified. The median age was 59 (26-85), 54% were males. 46 patients (65%) had a positive test result which was based on a cut-off of ≥4 mutant copies per ml. 65 patients (92%) had active disease on imaging studies, of which those with a positive test result were younger (p = 0.047), had a higher proportion of osseous metastases (p = 0.02) and had a higher number of lesions (p = 0.006). There was no difference in the median overall survival between the groups (11 months vs. 33 months for positive and negative result respectively, log-rank test; p = 0.15). Total tumor volume on PET-CT (in ml) was predictive of the quantitative ddPCR test result (in copies per ml), with every increase in 10 ml of tumor leading to an expected increase of 370 copies per ml (p < 0.001). Multivariate models have failed to show a correlation between baseline parameters and the quantitative ddPCR test result. When performing the analyses using logistic regression models with the binary ddPCR test result as the outcome, osseous metastases were predictive in a univariate model (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.4-15.4). The best fit multivariate model showed that higher burden of disease with ≥6 lesions (OR = 6.57, 95% CI 1.24-44.3) and elevated LDH (OR = 8.8, 95% CI 1.83-56.91) were associated with an increased risk for a positive result, while younger age was associated with decreased risk for a positive result (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.97). Conclusions: The results of ddPCR testing for BRAF mutation are correlated with the radiological and volumetric extent of the disease. This test could be useful in patients presenting with high-burden disease when a fast turnaround time is needed.

Abstract Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are an essential systemic therapy for advanced melanoma. However, most melanomas develop resistance to ICI. Tumor-derived soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) and other soluble immunosuppressive factors drive checkpoint inhibitor resistance and correlate with inferior survival. We previously showed that therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) removes sPD-L1 from circulation. Thus, we hypothesized that TPE-mediated removal of sPD-L1 and other immunosuppressive factors could overcome immunotherapy resistance in refractory melanoma. Methods: In this clinical trial (NCT04581382), we prospectively enrolled eighteen (18) patients with widely metastatic melanoma with progression despite anti-PD-1 ICI and elevated sPD-L1 by ELISA (≥1.7ng/mL). Each patient received radiotherapy to between one and three metastatic lesions (at least two unirradiated lesions) followed by three TPE sessions on consecutive days and re-challenge with checkpoint inhibitor. The primary safety and efficacy endpoints of the study were adverse events (AEs) and sPD-L1 reduction by TPE, respectively. Secondary endpoints included RECIST-based response in unirradiated lesions and overall survival. Correlative studies included kinetics of sPD-L1 and soluble immonsuppressive factors and dynamics of peripheral immune cell phenotypes. Results: Mean age was 62 (SD 13) and seven of eighteen (39%) were female. Mean baseline sPD-L1 was 26.31 ng/mL (40.01). The treatment was well-tolerated with one (6%) patient with grade 3 and 4 adverse events from a central line infection after TPE. Levels of sPD-L1 were significantly reduced by TPE (mean 80.2% reduction, p<0.0001). Two patients (11.1%) experienced complete response (CR), one (5.6%) partial response, three (16.7%) stable disease, and 12 (66.7%) progressive disease. In one case, immunotherapy was discontinued after two years due to no detectable lesions. Changes in tumor-reactive (TTR) GZMB+/CX3CR1+/CD11ahigh and other peripheral immune cell populations predicted overall survival in this cohort. In addition to sPD-L1, other soluble mediators of ICI resistance were also reduced by TPE and predicted overall survival in this cohort. Summary/Conclusion: sPD-L1 and other soluble immunoregulatory signaling molecules are important mediators of ICI resistance. SBRT and TPE can resensitize ICI-refractory melanoma by removing these factors. Patients with persistently elevated or rapid rebound of sPD-L1 following TPE experienced poor response and overall survival. Serial monitoring of sPD-L1 may predict response to ICI and multiple courses of TPE may be necessary. Our findings may apply in other ICI-resistant cancers with elevated sPD-L1. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04581382, ReCIPE-M1 (Rescuing Cancer Immunotherapy with Plasma Exchange in Melanoma 1).

e23270 Background: Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer which have seen drastic improvement in patient survival over the last decade. BRAF is the most common driver mutation in melanoma, seen in ≈50% of all patients (≈30% of patients > 65). The use of BRAF & MEK inhibitors yields high response rates, though it is limited by toxicity and development of acquired resistance. Acknowledging these limitations, we aimed at assessing the efficacy and toxicity of these agents in melanoma patients > 65. Methods: We identified electronic medical records of all melanoma patients > 65 that were treated with BRAF & MEK inhibitors at our institution over the years 2017-2023. Data was retrospectively collected including demographics, disease characteristics, treatment given, response patterns and toxicity. Results: 106 patients were identified. The median age was 71 (65-89), 55% were males. The median follow up was 28.9 months. 32 (30%) patients were treated at first line, 58 (55%) at second line and 16 (15%) at third line. 88 (83%) evaluable patients received treatment for unresectable/metastatic disease of which 84% had an objective response (60% partial response, 24% complete response). Response rate (RR) was 82%, 85% and 87% for first, second and third line respectively. RR was 86% for patients with an increased serum lactate dehydrogenase. 33% of patients had active central nervous system (CNS) metastases at treatment initiation, for whom the systemic RR was 80% and the CNS RR was 39%. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 7.9 months, with a PFS of 6, 8.3 and 13.4 months for first, second and third line respectively. The median PFS was 5.7 months for patients with active CNS disease. The median overall survival (OS) from treatment initiation was 15.7 months (12.5, 14.5, 31.9 for first, second & third line respectively). The median OS for patients with CNS disease was 9.8 months. 16 patients were treated in the adjuvant setting, of which 6 (37%) finished treatment as planned, 3 stopped due to disease progression (19%) and 6 stopped due to toxicity (37%). 88% of patients experienced adverse events (AEs) of any grade, with 27% having grade 3-4 toxicity. There were no grade 5 toxicities reported. 36% of patients experienced one AE, while 52% experienced two or more. 21% of patients stopped treatment due to toxicity, 28% needed a dose reduction and 20% changed to different BRAF/MEK inhibitors. 10% of patients needed systemic corticosteroids to treat AEs. The most common toxicities seen were fever (30%), fatigue (30%), skin rash (22%), elevated liver function tests (20%), arthralgia/myalgia (15%), nausea (14%) and diarrhea (11%). 7% had decrease in cardiac ejection fraction with one grade 3 leading to treatment discontinuation. Conclusions: Treatment with BRAF & MEK inhibitors is challenging in older patients, with a high prevalence of toxicity leading to treatment modifications and discontinuation. Efficacy seems to be the same as in the general population.