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

MeSH terms

Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / administration & dosage
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / adverse effects
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / pharmacology
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized* / therapeutic use
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / adverse effects
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / pharmacology
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / therapeutic use
Dermatologists
Humans
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / administration & dosage
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / pharmacology
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
Melanoma* / drug therapy
Melanoma* / secondary
Nivolumab* / administration & dosage
Nivolumab* / adverse effects
Nivolumab* / pharmacology
Nivolumab* / therapeutic use
Skin Neoplasms* / drug therapy
Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
Treatment Outcome

Substances

Nivolumab
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
relatlimab