Detailed explanation of the therapeutic effects and storage methods of lung cancer drug nivolumab

Introduction: Nivolumab is suitable for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, etc. It is a fully human monoclonal antibody against the PD-1 receptor developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company of the United States. It inhibits the inhibitory effect of tumor cells on the immune system and enhances the immune system's ability to attack tumors, thereby achieving the effect of treating tumors. This article mainly talks about the therapeutic effects, storage methods, side effects and management of nivolumab.

Therapeutic effects

1. Urothelial cancer: Nivolumab combined with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial cancer can bring higher objective response rates, including a greater proportion of complete responses, and a longer median response duration.

2. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Perioperative treatment of resectable NSCLC with nivolumab significantly improved the event-free survival (EFS) of patients. After a median follow-up of 25.4 months, the perioperative treatment group with nivolumab significantly prolonged the EFS of patients. Median EFS: not reached vs. 18.4 months.

3. Advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma: After the progress of first-line treatment with nivolumab monotherapy, nivolumab + ipilimumab salvage therapy has shown the potential to prolong the survival of patients in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

4. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): The combination therapy of nivolumab and albumin-bound paclitaxel has shown the potential to treat MIBC patients. This therapy is not only safe but also effective, especially for those patients who are not suitable for or refuse to receive cisplatin treatment.

5. Liver cancer: In a phase II clinical study, 27 patients with resectable liver cancer received perioperative treatment with nivolumab with or without ipilimumab. No patient in the two groups postponed surgery due to adverse events, but 7 patients did not receive surgery due to disease progression or poor compliance. In terms of safety, 23% and 43% of patients in the nivolumab monotherapy group and combination group experienced grade 3-4 adverse events respectively, but the overall safety profile was acceptable.

Storage method

Unopened nivolumab should be stored in the dark at a temperature of 2-8°C and cannot be frozen. Such storage ensures that the drug remains stable and effective during its expiry date. Once opened, infusion or dilution should be carried out immediately from a biological point of view. If it cannot be used immediately, it can be stored in the dark at 2-8°C for 24 hours, but it can only be stored under indoor light at 20-25°C for up to 8 hours (these 8 hours include the administration time). Medication is not recommended for use if it exceeds these time limits after opening.

Side effects and management

The use of nivolumab may cause some side effects, such as infusion reactions, immune-related adverse reactions, fatigue and gastrointestinal reactions. Immune-related adverse reactions may also occur during nivolumab treatment, and patients need to be continuously monitored for at least 5 months after the last dose. Adverse reactions may occur at any time during treatment or after treatment is discontinued, and adequate evaluation should be performed to confirm the cause and appropriate treatment adjustments should be made based on the severity of the adverse reaction.

As an immunotherapy drug, it has shown positive effects in the treatment of various cancers, but the specific therapeutic effect and safety need to be evaluated based on the patient's specific situation and clinical trial results. It is recommended that patients take medication under the guidance of a doctor and receive symptomatic treatment.