Ipilimumab: A Novel Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma

Objective: To review the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, drug interactions, dosing, and economic considerations of ipilimumab. Data Sources: A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-November 2010) was performed using the terms ipilimumab, metastatic melanoma, MDX-010, and MDX-101. Additional data were obtained from meeting abstracts, bibliographies, and media releases. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language articles identified from the data sources were reviewed. Selected studies evaluated the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of ipilimumab for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Data Synthesis: The incidence of melanoma in the US is increasing faster than any other type of cancer in men and more than any other type of cancer, except lung cancer, in women. For patients with metastatic melanoma, systemic therapies are limited by low response rates, snort durations of response, and a 5-year survival rate