Is Opdivo a chemotherapy or immunotherapy drug?
Opdivo is an immunotherapy treatment. It belongs to the class of medicines known as checkpoint inhibitors and works by blocking the PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) pathway to help prevent cancer cells from hiding from the immune system, boosting the immune system's response against cancer.
References
- Opdivo (nivolumab) Product Label. Updated 03/2024. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/125554s128lbl.pdf
Read next
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are man-made proteins that mimic the natural antibodies produced by our immune systems. Monoclonal antibodies can be formulated into medicines to treat various types of illnesses, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Continue reading
How effective is Opdivo?
The effectiveness of Opdivo at prolonging or extending life depends on the type and stage of cancer it is used to treat and if it is used alone or in combination with other treatments (such as Yervoy). There are several ways clinical trials measure success. Continue reading
How long does Opdivo take to work and how do you know if it's working?
Results from clinical trial indicate that it can take about 2 months to see a response to treatment with Opdivo, but some patients will respond more quickly and others will take longer.
Your doctor will order periodic tests, such as CT (computed tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to see if you are responding to treatment. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Opdivo Information for Consumers
- Opdivo prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Opdivo (detailed)
- Opdivo user reviews (93)
Related support groups
- Opdivo (18 questions, 53 members)