Drug glossary Immunotherapy

Ipilimumab Yervoy

Used in colorectal cancer outside its approved indication. It appears in 41 clinical trials.

Intravenous CTLA-4

United States Off-label

European Union EMA approved Since 2011

Spain Hospital use Used off-label in colorectal cancer

What it is

Ipilimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks the CTLA-4 immune checkpoint protein. In colorectal cancer, it is primarily used in combination with nivolumab for patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic disease. This combination has shown particular efficacy in MSI-H colorectal tumors and may be considered for patients who have developed resistance to PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy.

How it works

Ipilimumab binds to CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4) receptors on T cells, preventing the interaction between CTLA-4 and its ligands CD80 and CD86. By blocking this inhibitory checkpoint signal, ipilimumab enhances T-cell activation, proliferation, and anti-tumor immune responses, allowing the immune system to more effectively recognize and attack cancer cells.

Molecular targets

CTLA-4

Common side effects

FatigueDiarrheaSkin rashPruritusColitisHepatotoxicityEndocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, hypophysitis)Pneumonitis

Not all are listed, and everyone experiences them differently. If you notice any, tell your care team.

Trials with this drug

9 recruiting

The Sagittarius Trial NCT06490536 Recruiting Phase 3 Germany, Italy, Spain A Study of Oral 7HP349 (Alintegimod) in Combination With Ipilimumab Followed by Nivolumab Monotherapy NCT06362369 Recruiting Phase 1 United States Safety and Efficacy of NEO212 in Patients With Astrocytoma IDH-mutant, Glioblastoma IDH-wildtype or Brain Metastasis NCT06047379 Recruiting Phase 1 United States Immunotherapy in Patients With Early dMMR Rectal Cancer NCT05732389 Recruiting Phase 2 Denmark Study of mRNA-4359 Administered Alone and in Combination With Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Participants With Advanced Solid Tumors NCT05533697 Recruiting Phase 1 United States, Australia, Italy and 2 more Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Anti-PD1-Resistant dMMR/MSI mCRC NCT05310643 Recruiting Phase 2 France

See all 41 trials

Guides that may help

Written for patients and families, in plain language.

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