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Ipilimumab

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 (ih-pih-LIH-myoo-mab)

Ipilimumab is a type of targeted therapy drug called an immune checkpoint inhibitor (a type of immunotherapy). It is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the protein CTLA-4 on immune cells called T cells. It works by keeping cancer cells from suppressing the immune system. This allows the immune system to attack and kill the cancer cells.

US Brand Name(s)
Yervoy
FDA Approved
Yes

FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.

Use in Cancer

Ipilimumab is approved to treat:

¹This use is approved under FDA’s Accelerated Approval Program. As a condition of approval, a confirmatory trial(s) must show that ipilimumab provides a clinical benefit in these patients.

Ipilimumab is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Ipilimumab

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Ipilimumab - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Research Results and Related Resources

Immunotherapy and… Nothing Else? Studies Test Potential Paradigm Shift in Cancer Treatment

Study Identifies a Potential Cause of Immunotherapy’s Heart-Related Side Effects

Targeted Cancer Therapies

Cancer Immunotherapies Don’t Work for Everyone: HLA Gene May Explain Why

Immunotherapy Combination Most Effective as Initial Treatment for BRAF+ Melanoma

Study Details Long-Term Side Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Monoclonal Antibodies

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Ipilimumab - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

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