The monoclonal antibody to cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, ipilimumab (MDX-010), a novel treatment strategy in cancer management

CTLA-4 inhibition with a monoclonal antibody is usually well tolerated and has efficacy as a therapeutic agent in a variety of cancers. The most clinically important toxicities have been related to autoimmune events, and guidelines for treatment of these effects are now available. Preliminary results indicate that therapy with ipilimumab leads to durable responses. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are different from those of traditional chemotherapy agents. Phase III studies are currently underway for melanoma.