cisplatin + docetaxel + nivolumab

This is a combination regimen consisting of three drugs—cisplatin, docetaxel, and nivolumab—used primarily as neoadjuvant therapy in certain high-grade cancers. - **Cisplatin** is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent that forms DNA crosslinks, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells. - **Docetaxel** is a taxane-class chemotherapeutic that stabilizes microtubules and inhibits cell division. - **Nivolumab** is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (monoclonal antibody) targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. This combination has been investigated in phase II clinical trials for high-grade resectable salivary gland carcinomas as neoadjuvant therapy to improve pathologic response rates prior to surgery[1][2]. The rationale for combining these agents includes the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin and docetaxel with the immunomodulatory effect of nivolumab, aiming for synergistic anti-tumor activity.

Brand names

Opdivo (for nivolumab)