Treatment for Lung Cancer with Opdivo: Efficacy, Adverse Effects, and Additional Information
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common type of lung cancer that grows more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Opdivo, a biologic medication, offers a unique approach to treating NSCLC by harnessing the power of the immune system.
Opdivo, also known as nivolumab, is a liquid solution for intravenous (IV) infusion. It works by blocking the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells, a type of immune cell. This receptor normally acts as a checkpoint, downregulating the immune system to prevent T cells from attacking the body's own tissues. By binding to PD-1, Opdivo prevents this "off switch," thereby reactivating T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells more effectively [3][5].
In contrast, chemotherapy treats NSCLC by directly killing rapidly dividing cancer cells through cytotoxic effects. It targets cells indiscriminately, affecting both cancerous and some healthy rapidly dividing cells, leading to different side effects [1].
| Aspect | Opdivo (Nivolumab) | Chemotherapy | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Mechanism | Immune checkpoint inhibitor; blocks PD-1 to reactivate T cells to attack cancer | Direct cytotoxicity to cancer cells by damaging DNA or inhibiting cell division | | Target | Immune cells (T cells) to enhance immune response | Cancer cells directly | | Action type | Immunotherapy; modulates the immune system | Cytotoxic; kills dividing cells | | Side effect profile | Immune-related adverse events (e.g., inflammation) | Often includes nausea, neuropathy, hair loss, bone marrow suppression | | Usage in NSCLC | Used alone or combined with chemotherapy for NSCLC with no EGFR or ALK mutations | Standard treatment for initial and recurrent NSCLC |
Opdivo is indicated for NSCLC patients who have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy and can also be combined with chemotherapy or other immunotherapies such as ipilimumab, depending on the tumor’s characteristics [1][3][5].
Opdivo may not be a safe option for patients with a history of stem cell transplant, organ transplant, immune system problems, nervous system conditions, radiation treatment to the chest, or who have taken medications similar to Opdivo in the past. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with allergies to the drug or its ingredients [2].
Opdivo infusions typically take about 30 minutes. The cost of Opdivo varies based on several factors, including the prescribed treatment regimen, insurance plan, pharmacy, location, and cost of the appointment to receive doses of Opdivo from the healthcare professional. A patient support program is available from the drug manufacturer to help understand insurance coverage and options for financial support [0].
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends Opdivo as a treatment option for metastatic NSCLC with confirmed PD-1 receptor presence on at least 1% of cancer cells. It can also be used in combination with ipilimumab and two cycles of chemotherapy made from platinum for NSCLC that doesn't have certain genetic changes [4].
While Opdivo may cause mild side effects such as abdominal pain, cough, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, fever, itchy skin, joint pain and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, upper respiratory tract infections, skin rash, it also carries serious side effects such as encephalitis, hepatitis, immune system reactions, infusion reactions, kidney damage, problems with hormones, type 1 diabetes, allergic reaction, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome [1][2].
In summary, Opdivo offers a novel approach to treating NSCLC by mobilizing the immune system to fight cancer, contrasting the direct cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. This fundamental difference in action underlies the varied therapeutic approaches and side effect profiles of the two treatments.
- Cancer treatmentseekers, specifically those with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), may benefit from Opdivo (nivolumab), a unique immunotherapy that works by blocking the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells.
- While Opdivo may offer a more targeted approach to treating NSCLC with fewer side effects for some individuals, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for patients with certain medical-conditions such as a history of stem cell or organ transplant, immune system problems, or radiation treatment to the chest.
- As the medical-field continues to advance our understanding of cancer and health-and-wellness, science is uncovering new and effective treatments like Opdivo, offering hope to those battling NSCLC and other types of cancer.
