Publication

Safety of shortened infusion times for combined ipilimumab and nivolumab

Journal Paper/Review - Oct 7, 2017

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Gassenmaier M, Garbe C, Eigentler T, Doecker D, Mueller A, Kofler L, Wagner N, Scheu A, Lipp H, Forschner A. Safety of shortened infusion times for combined ipilimumab and nivolumab. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 67:135-140.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 67
Publication Date
Oct 7, 2017
Issn Electronic
1432-0851
Pages
135-140
Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND
Combined ipilimumab and nivolumab induces encouraging response rates in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. However, the approved protocol for dual checkpoint inhibition (3 mg/kg ipilimumab over 90 min and 1 mg/kg nivolumab over 60 min) is time-intensive and several trials have shown that both single agents can be safely administered at faster infusion rates.

AIM
To investigate whether combined checkpoint inhibition with 3 mg/kg ipilimumab and 1 mg/kg nivolumab can be safely administered over 30 min per agent.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
We reviewed the rate of infusion-related reactions (IRRs) in the first 12 months of our single-institution experience using shortened infusion times for combined checkpoint inhibition with ipilimumab and nivolumab.

RESULTS
Between May 24, 2016 and June 10, 2017, a total of 46 melanoma patients received 100 shortened cycles of combined 3 mg/kg ipilimumab and 1 mg/kg nivolumab. One patient (2.2%; 1/46) had a questionable reaction after administration of 1 mg/kg nivolumab over 30 min, but none of the other patients had a bona fide IRR.

CONCLUSIONS
Shortened infusion times for combined ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment are safe, thereby facilitating a more efficient use of outpatient facilities and enhancing patient's convenience.