Patients with melanoma, autoimmune disorders require close monitoring with ipilimumab treatment

Source: Healio.com/hematology-oncology, December 2015

Ipilimumab caused immune events and treatment-related adverse events among patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases and advanced melanoma, according to results of a retrospective review.

However, these autoimmune flares and adverse events were manageable with standard therapies. Thus, treatment with ipilimumab (Yervoy, Bristol-Myers Squibb) appeared feasible in this population with close monitoring, according to the researchers.

Ipilimumab and other immunotherapies have been associated with immune-related adverse events, according to study background. The safety and efficacy of ipilimumab has not been studied in patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases.