Opdivo (generic name: nivolumab) is an advanced immunotherapy medication used in the treatment of several types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), head and neck cancers, bladder cancer, liver cancer, and certain types of colorectal and esophageal cancers. It belongs to a class of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, specifically targeting the PD-1 (programmed death-1) receptor on immune cells. Cancer cells often use the PD-1 pathway to avoid detection by the immune system. Opdivo blocks this interaction, allowing the body’s immune system to better recognize and destroy cancer cells. It is typically administered through intravenous (IV) infusion, either alone or in combination with other drugs such as ipilimumab, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

While Opdivo has shown significant success in extending survival and slowing disease progression in many patients, it can also cause a range of immune-related side effects due to overactivation of the immune system. These may include fatigue, rash, diarrhea, cough, and in some cases, more serious inflammation of the lungs, liver, intestines, or endocrine glands. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects, treatment with Opdivo requires close medical supervision and regular monitoring through lab tests and physical assessments. Despite the risks, Opdivo represents a major advancement in cancer therapy, offering new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers, particularly those that have not responded well to traditional chemotherapy or radiation.