See the DrugPatentWatch profile for nivolumab

Obesity may impact the effectiveness of the cancer immunotherapy drug Nivolumab, also known as Opdivo, by potentially altering the body's immune response.

Nivolumab is a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor that helps the body's immune system fight cancer by blocking the protein PD-1, which can prevent T-cells from attacking cancer cells [1]. However, obesity can cause chronic inflammation and changes in immune cell function, which could potentially affect the way Nivolumab works [2].

Studies have shown that obesity can lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, and it can also affect the prognosis and treatment outcomes for cancer patients [3]. However, the relationship between obesity and the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors like Nivolumab is not yet fully understood.

One study published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer found that obesity was associated with improved outcomes in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, including Nivolumab [4]. The study suggested that obesity may lead to an increased immune response, which could enhance the effectiveness of these drugs. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to fully understand the impact of obesity on the effectiveness of Nivolumab.

In summary, while obesity may impact the effectiveness of Nivolumab, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship. Patients should speak with their healthcare providers about their individual treatment options and the potential impact of their weight on their cancer treatment.

Sources:
[1] "Nivolumab." National Cancer Institute, 2022, <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/nivolumab>.
[2] "Obesity and Cancer." American Cancer Society, 2021, <https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/diet-physical-activity/obesity/obesity-cancer-risk.html>.
[3] "Obesity and Cancer: A Perspective from Drug Patent Watch." DrugPatentWatch, 2021, <https://drugpatentwatch.com/obesity-and-cancer-a-perspective-from-drug-patent-watch/>.
[4] Lee, Jongphil, et al. "Obesity Is Associated with Improved Outcomes in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors." Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, vol. 7, no. 1, 2019, p. 272., doi:10.1186/s40425-019-0795-z.