Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that harnesses the body's own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. In October 2020, the FDA approved the combination of nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy) as the first immunotherapy for unresectable pleural mesothelioma, marking a major treatment advance.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors work by blocking proteins (PD-1, CTLA-4) that cancer cells use to hide from the immune system. The nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination was approved based on the CheckMate 743 trial, which showed improved overall survival compared to standard chemotherapy, particularly for sarcomatoid and biphasic cell types.
For patients with sarcomatoid mesothelioma, immunotherapy has been especially transformative. This cell type, which responds poorly to chemotherapy, has shown significantly better outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Some patients experience durable responses lasting years. Learn more about immunotherapy for mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy side effects differ from chemotherapy and can include immune-related reactions affecting the skin, liver, lungs, or endocrine system. These side effects are generally manageable but require close monitoring. Ongoing clinical trials are testing new immunotherapy combinations and approaches for mesothelioma.
- Also known as
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors, Immuno-oncology, IO therapy
- Category
- Treatment
- Related terms
- Nivolumab, Chemotherapy, Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma, Clinical Trial, Mesothelioma
What immunotherapy is approved for mesothelioma?
The FDA approved nivolumab (Opdivo) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) in October 2020 as a first-line treatment for unresectable pleural mesothelioma.
What are the side effects of immunotherapy for mesothelioma?
Side effects can include immune-related reactions affecting the skin, liver, lungs, or thyroid. These are generally manageable with corticosteroids and close monitoring.
Who is eligible for immunotherapy for mesothelioma?
Patients with unresectable pleural mesothelioma are eligible. The treatment has shown particular benefit for sarcomatoid and biphasic cell types.
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