ASH 2018 | Ipilimumab, rather than nivolumab for relapsed heme malignancies post allo-SCT
Relapse of hematological malignancies post allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) poses a challenge that current treatment options fail to address. In retrospective studies, the use of CTLA-4 blocking agents such as ipilimumab has shown promising potential for this population. Here, Matthew Davids, MD, MSc, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, presents the outcomes of the prospective Phase I/Ib study of the anti-PD-1 agent nivolumab to address this challenge. While activity has been shown in Hodgkin and mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma that could warrant further exploration, Dr Davids states that due to incidences of graft-versus-host disease, anti-PD-1 therapy is not recommended for other hematological malignancies outside of the clinical trial setting, and the combination of ipilimumab with novel agents looks to be a future focus. Dr Davids was speaking at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2018 Annual Meeting and Exposition, held in San Diego, CA.
