Ipilimumab
Yervoy® (ipilimumab) was first approved by the FDA in 2011 to treat late-stage, metastaticThe term for a cancer that has spread beyond its point of origin. Metastatic disease is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths. melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery. This FDA approval was extended in 2015 to stage 3 melanoma patients who have undergone surgery, in an effort to reduce the risk of recurrence post-surgery. Melanoma is considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with very few treatment options available. Ipilimumab is administered only intravenously and has a standard recommended dosage of 3mg/kg over 90 minutes.1
Ipilimumab (Yervoy®) is a type of immunotherapyA treatment for a disease (including cancer) that involves the modulation of the immune system. Treatments include the administration of cytokines (proteins produced by cells of the immune system) and vaccinations. that binds cytotoxicHaving the ability to kill a cell. Many chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, as is radiation. Cells of our immune system also have the ability to recognize and kill certain cells, including cancer cells. T-lymphocyteA immune cell that resides primarily in the lymphatic system. The lymphocytes include T-cells (cells involved in the control of immune responses and cellular cytotoxicity) and B-cells (cells that produce antibodies or immunoglobulins). antigenAny substance capable of being recognized by the immune system. Recognition of such a substance leads to the generation of an immune response.-4 (CTLA-4) and prevents CTLA-4 from interacting with its ligands, CD80/CD86. Inhibition of CTLA-4 signaling has been found to augment T-cell activation and proliferationRefers to cell division. The proliferation rate is an indicator of how quickly a tumor is growing. The proliferation rate may be represented as a percentage, showing what fraction of the cells are actively involved in the division process. and may lead to an increase in T-cell responsiveness. T-cells are immune cells that can detect and fight cancer cells.1
Most common side effects include: fatigue, diarrhea, severe itching of the skin (pruritus), and rash. Serious side effects include: inflammationA reaction to tissue damage or invasion. Small blood vessels become leaky, leading to redness and swelling. Cells of the immune system migrate to the area and can release chemicals and proteins that cause damage to the structures/cells nearby. of the intestines (colitis), tears or holes (perforation) in the intestines, inflammation of the nerves that can lead to paralysis, inflammation of hormoneA chemical produced by cells that alters the activity of other cells. The chemicals may be lipids, such as testosterone and estrogen or proteins like insulin. Hormones may act at locations far from their site of origin. Estrogen, for example, is produced primarily by cells in the ovaries but acts on cells in the breast and elsewhere. glands, and inflammation of the eyes. Another possibly serious side effect is immune-mediated hepatitis, which can range from moderate to severe depending on the case.1
Ipilimumab use is associated with T-cell activation and proliferationRefers to cell division. The proliferation rate is an indicator of how quickly a tumor is growing. The proliferation rate may be represented as a percentage, showing what fraction of the cells are actively involved in the division process.. Because of this, ipilimumab use can result in severe and fatal autoimmune reactions that may involve any organ system.1
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