Table 2:

Rates of the more common immune-related adverse events stratified by immune checkpoint inhibitor strategy*

Immune-related adverse eventsAnti–CTLA-4 (ipilimumab)Anti–PD-1 (nivolumab)Anti–CTLA4 + Anti–PD1 (ipilimumab + nivolumab)
Any grade, %Grade ≥ 3, %Any grade, %Grade ≥ 3, %Any grade, %Grade ≥ 3, %
All immune-related adverse events862782169655
Rash332261405
Colitis12911128
Diarrhea3362024410
Hepatitis4241188
Hypothyroidism4090151
Discontinuation owing to immune-related adverse events1513853630
  • Note: CTLA-4 = cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4, irAE = immune-related adverse events, PD-1 = programmed cell death 1.

  • * Results are based on a large phase 3 clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of single-agent PD-1, CTLA-4 or the combination in metastatic melanoma.6 Similar immune-related adverse events rates are reproducible in other cancer types.

  • Grade 3 = severe or medically important but not immediately life-threatening; hospital admission indicated; disabling; limiting self-care, per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.12