Successful treatment of melanoma and renal cell carcinoma

As immunotherapy is advancing based on the development of new agents and refined ways of administration, nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®) have remained first-line treatment pillars for melanoma and renal cell cancer. Patient cases demonstrate the efficacy and manageability of these drugs that offer long-term survival in many patients.

On January 19, 2021, the interactive workshop on Swiss patient cases in the field of immunotherapies “Meet the experts” took place as a virtual event. This workshop is conducted at least once annually and provides a platform for exchange between physicians, particularly regarding treatment challenges and side effect management. This publication summarizes three cases presented at the workshop and two independent cases exemplifying the management of patients with advanced melanoma or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). All of them received combination immunotherap with the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo®) and the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab (Yervoy®).

Synergy within the cancer-immunity cycle

Dual checkpoint inhibition with nivolumab and ipilimumab is based on a sound scientific rationale as it gives rise to potentially synergistic effects. The CTLA-4 and PD-1 immune checkpoints are negative regulators of T-cell immune function, with distinct roles in inhibiting immune responses including antitumor responses.1 Correspondingly, agents blocking different steps in the cancer-immunity cycle2 can heighten the benefits of checkpoint inhibition. While ipilimumab supports the activation and proliferation of effector T cells, nivolumab restores their function in the periphery.1