Review Article

Ipilimumab: A First-in-Class  T-Cell Potentiator for Metastatic Melanoma

Table 1

Guidelines for recommended management of irAEs.

SiteSigns and symptomsManagement

GIAssess patients for changes in bowel habits and for the following signs and symptoms: diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood or mucus in stool with or without fever, peritoneal signs consistent with bowel perforation, and ileus.Low-grade events: symptomatic management (dietary modifications and loperamide).
High-grade events: corticosteroid therapy may be required.
>7 stools/day over baseline, signs consistent with perforation, or patients with a fever: administer 1-2 mg/kg prednisone or equivalent and then move forward with ensuring differential diagnosis.
Withhold ipilimumab for moderate reactions until improvement to mild severity or complete resolution; for severe reactions, discontinue ipilimumab.

SkinEvaluate patients for signs and symptoms of pruritus, vitiligo, or maculopapular rash.Mild to moderate: symptomatic management. Topical moisturizers and oatmeal baths may help relieve mild cases.
Moderate to severe: topical and/or systemic corticosteroids may be required.
Withhold ipilimumab dosing in patients with moderate to severe signs and symptoms.
Permanently discontinue ipilimumab in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations.

LiverRun liver function tests before each infusion or more frequently if possible.
Monitor patients for any signs of hepatitis.
Moderate AST or ALT >2.5 times but ≤5 times ULN, or moderate total bilirubin elevation >1.5 times but ≤3 times ULN: withhold ipilimumab dose.
Severe AST or ALT elevations of >5 times ULN; total bilirubin elevations of >3 times ULN; or failure to complete full treatment course within 16 weeks from administration of first dose: permanently discontinue ipilimumab.
Grade ≥3 hepatitis: consider corticosteroid therapy.

EndocrineNonspecific symptoms include fatigue, headache, changes in mental status, abdominal pain, unusual bowel habits, and hypotension.
Undertake appropriate blood work.
Moderate reactions or symptomatic endocrinopathy: withhold ipilimumab until complete resolution or stable on hormone replacement therapy.
Patients unable to have their corticosteroid dose reduced to 7.5 mg prednisone or equivalent per day: permanently discontinue ipilimumab.
Consider long-term hormone replacement therapy as necessary.

NeurologicEncourage patient report of changes in muscle weakness or sensory alternations.New onset or worsening symptoms: may require permanent discontinuation of ipilimumab.

OcularAssess patients for uveitis, iritis, or episcleritis.Administer corticosteroid drops.

ALT: alanine aminotransferase; AST: aspartate aminotransferase; GI: gastrointestinal; LFTs: liver function tests; ULN: upper limit of normal.