Relatlimab-nivolumab: A practical overview for dermatologists

Relatlimab is a human anti-lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein antibody approved for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable melanoma in combination with nivolumab, an existing programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor.

In this article, we review the clinical literature on the efficacy and therapeutic use of the immune checkpoint inhibitor relatlimab in combination with nivolumab for metastatic melanoma.

We provide an overview of the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of relatlimab-nivolumab through a review of recent publications on this emerging therapeutic combination. Ongoing clinical trials studying the use of relatlimab and associated areas of active investigation are also highlighted.

This review strives to inform practicing dermatologists on the use of relatlimab-nivolumab as an approved first-line dual checkpoint inhibitor for metastatic melanoma in appropriate clinical cases.