Here is a primer that I put together regarding melanoma treatments that you may find helpful:
https://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2017/08/melanoma-intel-primer-for-current.html
Ipilimumab (ipi for short) is the same as Yervoy…an anti-CTLA-4 product. Alone it has around a 15% response rate for advanced melanoma and side effects that are pretty consistent for immunotherapy generally – fatigue, rashes, joint pain, and various immune responses. They are covered in the primer.
Nivolumab (also known as OPDIVO) is an anti-PD-1 product, as is Pembrolizumab (also known as Keytruda). Both have about at 40% response rate in advanced melanoma and similar side effects as ipi, though they are usually less frequent and less harsh than those associated with ipi.
While studies have been done on the pembro/ipi combo, I don't think it is FDA approved yet, so you may have to participate in a clinical trial for that one. Many of us here have participated in trials…but such participation does come with its own can of worms.
Ipi/nivo is a combo that is FDA approved. Side effects mostly come from the ipi component and are greater than when either anti-PD-1 product is taken alone. Response rates are greater than 50% with this combo and studies report about the same with the ipi/pembro combo.
Here are some reports on NSAID's (like aspirin) and melanoma (with links within):
https://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2018/01/aspirin-nsaids-and-melanoma.html
There is also a glossary to melanoma acronyms at the end of the primer.
I hope these help. And while these numbers may look a little dismal, have hope. Many of us on this forum are still around after these treatments. I had nivo alone after brain and lung mets in 2010 and remain melanoma free today with no treatment after my last nivo infusion in 2013.
You can do this. Hang tough. There are many caring well informed melanoma peeps here. Ask more questions as you have the need. I wish you my best. Celeste
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