ipilimumab + interleukin-2 (Bristol Myers Squibb)

This is an investigational combination therapy consisting of intratumoral ipilimumab and interleukin-2 (IL-2) developed by the University of Utah for the treatment of unresectable stage III-IV melanoma. Ipilimumab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4), a checkpoint molecule that downregulates T-cell activation. Interleukin-2 is a cytokine biologic that promotes the proliferation and effector function of T cells and natural killer cells. By administering these agents via intratumoral injection rather than the standard intravenous route, the therapy aims to induce a potent localized immune response within the tumor microenvironment, potentially leading to systemic anti-tumor activity (abscopal effect) while minimizing systemic toxicities. Clinical data from Phase I studies have shown the combination to be well-tolerated with evidence of clinical benefit in both injected and non-injected lesions.

Other names

Intratumoral ipilimumab and interleukin-2IT ipilimumab + IL-2ipilimumab + IL-2