What happens when you stop taking Opdivo for melanoma?

Opdivo (nivolumab) is an immunotherapy that helps activate the immune system to fight cancer, including melanoma. It is not a lifelong treatment, and the optimal duration of therapy following a complete response remains unclear.

How Long Do Opdivo's Effects Last After Stopping?

Studies suggest that many melanoma patients experience durable responses even after stopping Opdivo.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Study Findings

A retrospective analysis of 396 melanoma patients (14.1% treated with Opdivo; others with Keytruda) revealed:

• Patients typically received Opdivo for a median of 7 months before achieving a complete response (no detectable cancer).
• After stopping treatment, 72.1% remained alive and did not require further melanoma treatment at three years.
• Patients who maintained a complete response for one year had an 83.3% chance of remaining cancer-free for at least two more years.
• However, relapse occurred in 23 patients (87% within the first two years).

CheckMate 067 Trial Results

Long-term data from the CheckMate 067 trial also revealed that long term responses to treatment were possible in patients who discontinued treatment with Opdivo + Yervoy (ipilimumab) in the early stages of the trial because of toxicity issues. Survival outcomes at 5 years were similar between the overall study population and the patients who had to stop treatment with Opdivo + Yervoy early because of adverse events.

Related questions

• What are monoclonal antibodies?
• How effective is Opdivo?
• How long does Opdivo take to work and how do you know if it's working?

Why Do Patients Stop Taking Opdivo?

Several reasons may lead to stopping Opdivo treatment:

• Complete response: No signs of cancer remain.
• Side effects: Adverse reactions may require discontinuation.
• Financial concerns: Opdivo is costly and may not be covered by all insurance plans.
• Quality of life: Some patients prefer to avoid ongoing treatments if they are in remission.

While many patients continue to benefit after stopping Opdivo, some may experience relapse, highlighting the need for close monitoring and follow-up care. Always consult with an oncologist to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.