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

Ipilimumab (brand name Yervoy) is an immunotherapy drug used to treat advanced or metastatic kidney cancer. It is often combined with another immune checkpoint inhibitor, nivolumab (Opdivo), to help the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

How Does Ipilimumab Work?

Ipilimumab works by targeting a protein called CTLA-4, which acts as a brake on the immune system. By blocking this protein, ipilimumab boosts the activity of immune T-cells, helping them better detect and kill cancer cells. It is part of a class of drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors, which essentially remove the immune system’s natural “off switches.”

When used with nivolumab (which targets the PD-1 checkpoint), the combination provides a dual immune response, making it more effective than either drug alone for some patients.

When Is It Used?

The nivolumab–ipilimumab combination is used:

• As first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma
• Particularly effective in patients with intermediate or poor-risk disease
• In patients who are fit enough to handle the side effects of combination immunotherapy

This regimen has shown to improve survival and long-term disease control in many people.

How Is It Given?

• Administered as an IV infusion
• Given every 3 or 6 weeks over a few months, depending on the protocol
• Usually combined with nivolumab, which may continue for a longer period on its own

Side Effects

Ipilimumab increases immune activity, which may cause:

• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Diarrhea or colitis
• Inflammation of organs like the liver, lungs, or glands (thyroid, adrenal)

Side effects may appear weeks or even months after treatment begins. Early recognition and treatment (usually with steroids) are important to avoid serious complications.

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