Relatlimab-nivolumab: A practical overview for dermatologists

Nikita Mullick; Vinod E Nambudiri

doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.06.024

Relatlimab-nivolumab: A practical overview for dermatologists

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Nov;89(5):1031-1037. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.06.024. Epub 2023 Jun 19.

Authors

Nikita Mullick¹, Vinod E Nambudiri²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address: nmullick@bu.edu.
² Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

PMID: 37343829
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.06.024

Abstract

Background: Relatlimab is a human anti-lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein antibody approved for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable melanoma in combination with nivolumab, an existing programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor.

Objective: In this article, we review the clinical literature on the efficacy and therapeutic use of the immune checkpoint inhibitor relatlimab in combination with nivolumab for metastatic melanoma.

Methods: We provide an overview of the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of relatlimab-nivolumab through a review of recent publications on this emerging therapeutic combination. Ongoing clinical trials studying the use of relatlimab and associated areas of active investigation are also highlighted.

Conclusion: This review strives to inform practicing dermatologists on the use of relatlimab-nivolumab as an approved first-line dual checkpoint inhibitor for metastatic melanoma in appropriate clinical cases.

Keywords: BMS-986213; LAG-3; cutaneous oncology; immune checkpoint inhibitor; metastatic melanoma; nivolumab; relatlimab; targeted treatment.

Publication types

Review