Authors

  1. Aschenbrenner, Diane S. MS, RN

Abstract

* The newest monoclonal antibody, ipilimumab (Yervoy), is a targeted therapy for late-stage (metastatic) melanoma and is the first drug shown to prolong life in patients with this condition.

 

* The drug's most common adverse effects include fatigue, diarrhea, pruritus, rash, and colitis.

 

* Ipilimumab can have serious and even life-threatening immune-mediated adverse effects, such as enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy.