What Is Nivolumab and How Is It Used in Kidney Cancer?

Nivolumab (brand name Opdivo) is an immunotherapy drug used to treat advanced kidney cancer. It belongs to a class of medications known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

In kidney cancer, nivolumab is often used when the disease is advanced (stage 4) or has returned after previous treatment.

How Does Nivolumab Work?

Normally, cancer cells can “hide” from the immune system by activating a protein called PD-1 on immune cells. Nivolumab blocks this interaction, allowing immune cells to detect and destroy cancer cells.

This process doesn’t directly kill cancer like chemotherapy does—instead, it removes the brakes on the immune system, helping your body fight the cancer naturally.

How Is It Given?

Nivolumab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically:

  • Every 2 to 4 weeks
  • In a hospital or infusion clinic
  • Over a period of 30 to 60 minutes

It may be used:

  • Alone, especially if other treatments haven’t worked
  • In combination with ipilimumab (another immunotherapy) as a first-line treatment for some patients
  • In combination with cabozantinib (a targeted therapy drug)

What Are the Side Effects?

Because it activates the immune system, nivolumab can cause inflammation in healthy organs. Common side effects include:

  • Fatigue
  • Skin rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Joint pain

More serious effects may involve the lungs, liver, thyroid, or intestines. These are usually manageable if caught early and treated with steroids.

Is It Effective?

Nivolumab has been shown to extend survival in many patients with advanced kidney cancer. Some people experience long-term control of the disease, especially when used in combination therapy.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

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