Ipilimumab after anti-PD1 agents benefits treatment of advanced melanomas

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of treatment with ipilimumab (Yervoy) after anti-PD1 agents such as nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Researchers suggested that patients can benefit from treatment with ipilimumab, but at a cost of a higher toxicity.

The use of PD-1 antibodies to treat melanoma is increasing. These treatments stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. Recent studies have suggested that anti-PD1 agents are more effective at treating advanced melanoma than ipilimumab (an antibody that targets a different protein) alone. The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab to treat melanoma is also more effective than ipilimumab alone. However this combination is associated with higher levels of toxicity. Currently, too little is known about the effectiveness and safety of treatment with ipilimumab after anti-PD1 agents.

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the treatment with ipilimumab after anti-PD1 agents.

This study examined the records of 40 patients with metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. These patients were treated with an anti-PD1 agent followed by ipilimumab.

The average follow-up period from the start of ipilimumab treatment was 12.5 months. 4 patients (10%) saw a partial response and 3 other patients (8%) achieved long-term stable disease. One of these patients had not benefited from previous anti-PD1 treatment.

14 patients (35%) experienced moderate to severe side effects associated with the use of ipilimumab. The most common severe side effect was diarrhea. 3 patients (7%) had moderate to severe pneumonitis (lung inflammation), causing the death of one patient. 

This study suggested that advanced melanoma patients can benefit from ipilimumab treatment, but with increased rates of negative side effects.