nivolumab
Quick Summary
Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), a class of drugs designed to help the immune system fight cancer. ICIs work by blocking specific proteins, called checkpoints, that normally prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells. Cancer cells can exploit these checkpoints to evade detection.1
Nivolumab, along with other ICIs like pembrolizumab, targets the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway. These drugs were developed after researchers understood how checkpoints limit the activity of T-cells, a key component of the immune response.1
ICIs have revolutionized cancer treatment, offering durable remissions and potential cures for some patients with advanced cancers, a significant improvement over previous treatments.1
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cancerImmunotherapyAnti-PD-1 therapies, such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, have proven beneficial in patients with melanoma and certain other cancer types.
Read MoreAnti-PD-1 therapies, such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, have proven beneficial in patients with melanoma and certain other cancer types.
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cancerMilestones in cancer scienceCancer immunotherapies—such as ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab—were also developed. These therapies, though they were associated with potentially dangerous side effects, were especially effective in mobilizing immune cells to fight tumors. American immunologist James P. Allison and Japanese immunologist Tasuku Honjo were awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in
Read MoreCancer immunotherapies—such as ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab—were also developed. These therapies, though they were associated with potentially dangerous side effects, were especially effective in mobilizing immune cells to fight tumors. American immunologist James P. Allison and Japanese immunologist Tasuku Honjo were awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in
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