Ipilimumab is an immunotherapy drug that acts as a CTLA-4 inhibitor that activates T cells and enhances the immune system's attack on cancer cells. Ipilimumab is usually used as monotherapy or in combination with other immunotherapy drugs. During use, patients may experience immune-mediated side effects that require strict monitoring and management.

Indications

Ipilimumab is used for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma, adjuvant melanoma therapy, advanced renal cell carcinoma, metastatic colorectal cancer with high microsatellite instability or lack of mismatched repair, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, and advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, usually in combination with nivolumab.

Recommended dosage

The recommended dose of Ipilimumab is 3mg/kg every 3 weeks for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, up to a maximum of 4 doses; In the adjuvant treatment of melanoma, the starting dose is 3mg/kg every 3 weeks, followed by 3mg/kg every 12 weeks, up to 4 doses every 3 weeks, and up to 4 additional doses can be given every 12 weeks. Each dose is completed by a 30-minute intravenous infusion.

Applicable population

Adult. Pregnant and lactating women, children, and elderly patients should take the drug under the guidance of a doctor.

Contraindications

It is not clear in the instructions.

Side effects

The most common adverse effects of Ipilimumab monotherapy include fatigue, diarrhea, itching, rash, nausea, and headache. Common adverse reactions when used in combination with nivolumab are fatigue, diarrhea, rash, itching, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, fever, cough, decreased appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, headache, hypothyroidism, constipation, weight loss, and dizziness. Common adverse effects when used in combination with nivolumab and platinum-based chemotherapy are fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, diarrhea, rash, decreased appetite, constipation, and pruritus.

Precautions

1. Severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions

2. Infusion-related reactions

3. Analysis of postoperative complications of Ipilimumab after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

4. Embryo-fetal toxicity

5. Risks associated with combination administration with nivolumab

7. Drug interactions is not specified in the instructions.

8. Storage conditions

Store Ipilimumab refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Store Ipilimumab in the original carton until use, protecting Ipilimumab from light. Do not freeze or shake.