What is ipilimumab?
ipilimumab is the name of the human antibody molecule that may have therapeutic activity in patients with advanced melanoma. This antibody, produced by the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, is also known as the MDX-010. IPILIMUMAB is made in the laboratory and is a member of the IgG1 antibodies class. It binds to the anti-cytotoxic receptor of T-lymphocytes (CTLA-4) present on the surface of T-lymphocytes in the body. CTLA-4 receptor blocking increases cellular immune response, allowing patient lymphocytes to be mounted on cancer cells.
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can metastasize or spread to other tissues. In the early stages of melanoma, surgery is often an effective form of therapy. Once this cancer has expanded, it may be difficult to treat by radiation or chemotherapy. Antibody therapy for increasing immune response can be a choice for patients suffering from advanced melanoma.
Therapy with antibody ipilimumab also a cycle of division or proliferation of cells in the body known ascytotoxic T-lymphocytes. These lymphocytes have the power to attack cancer cells. Protein known as the CD28 is present on the surface of T-lymphocytes and this protein binds to other cell types to stimulate cell division. After the cell is divided, CTLA-4 is used to provide traces of the signal so that the cell division does not continue unregulated.
iPilimumab is bound to the CTLA-4 molecule and eliminates the signal of the STOP. T-lymphocytes can then be divided, so they are more available to combat cancer cells. This immunotherapy with ipilimumab, either separately or in combination with vaccines, can extend the survival times for people with advanced melanoma. Clinical studies with ipilimumab show that this antibody may have anti -tumor activity against lung and prostate and melanoma cancer.
Patients receive intravenously every few weeks. The exact plan of therapy is determined by the doctor and depends on the presence of the by -h effects. Most patients tolerate ipilimumab well, but immune side effects may develop if the dividing T-lymphocytes begin to affect normal tissues. These side effects may include rashes, diarrhea or hepatitis. Immune side effects may usually be checked by corticosteroids without disrupting the anti -tumor response.