nivolumab + enzalutamide

Nivolumab + enzalutamide is an investigational combination therapy consisting of nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint, and enzalutamide, a small-molecule androgen receptor inhibitor. Nivolumab works by blocking PD-1 interactions, thereby enhancing T-cell mediated immune responses against cancer cells. Enzalutamide inhibits androgen receptor signaling, which is crucial for prostate cancer cell growth. This combination has been evaluated in clinical studies, notably for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), especially in patients who have previously progressed on enzalutamide monotherapy. The rationale is that AR antagonism may increase PD-L1 expression and immune susceptibility in prostate tumors, potentially making them more responsive to PD-1 pathway inhibition.