nivolumab + pemetrexed

Nivolumab + pemetrexed is a combination regimen used primarily in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Nivolumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that acts as an immune checkpoint inhibitor by targeting the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells, thereby blocking its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2 ligands expressed by tumor cells. This blockade enhances T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity[8][10]. Pemetrexed is an antifolate chemotherapy agent that inhibits several enzymes involved in folate metabolism and DNA synthesis, leading to disruption of cell division and tumor growth[6]. The combination leverages both immunotherapy (nivolumab) and cytotoxic chemotherapy (pemetrexed), often administered with or without platinum-based agents such as cisplatin or carboplatin, for synergistic anti-cancer effects[1][9].