vemurafenib + ipilimumab

A dual-therapy regimen combining the small-molecule BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib with the checkpoint inhibitor monoclonal antibody ipilimumab for BRAF-mutated advanced melanoma. Vemurafenib selectively inhibits mutant BRAF (especially V600E/V600K) to suppress MAPK pathway signaling and tumor proliferation, while ipilimumab blocks cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) to enhance T-cell–mediated antitumor immune responses. Concurrent coadministration was associated with dose-limiting hepatotoxicity in early trials; sequential strategies (vemurafenib lead-in followed by ipilimumab) have shown manageable safety in phase II studies. This combination is investigational and not an approved fixed-combination product.[1][2][10]

Other names

VEM + IPI