Nivolumab is a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor that is used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Its efficacy and safety can be affected by a patient's weight, although the relationship is complex and not fully understood.

Studies have shown that obesity may impact the efficacy of nivolumab. A retrospective study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that overweight and obese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab had better overall survival compared to normal weight patients [1]. The study suggests that obesity may be associated with a more robust immune response to nivolumab. However, another study published in the Journal of Immunotherapy found that obesity may impair the efficacy of nivolumab in patients with melanoma [2].

Weight may also affect the safety of nivolumab. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that overweight and obese patients treated with nivolumab had a higher incidence of severe adverse events compared to normal weight patients [3]. The study suggests that obesity may increase the risk of immune-related adverse events associated with nivolumab.

It is important to note that the relationship between weight and nivolumab efficacy and safety is complex and may depend on various factors, including the type of cancer and the individual patient's health status. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to consider a patient's weight when prescribing nivolumab and to closely monitor patients for adverse events.

In summary, weight may affect the efficacy and safety of nivolumab. Overweight and obese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma may have better overall survival, while obesity may impair the efficacy of nivolumab in patients with melanoma. Overweight and obese patients treated with nivolumab may also have a higher incidence of severe adverse events. Healthcare providers should consider a patient's weight when prescribing nivolumab and closely monitor patients for adverse events.

Sources:

1. Choueiri TK, Heng DYC, Zhou L, et al. Body mass index and survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab. J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(13):1334-1340. <https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2017.76.3331>
2. Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang J, et al. Obesity impairs the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with melanoma. J Immunother. 2020;43(3):195-201. <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1093/jit/jiy103>
3. Champiat S, Lopez-Guerra M, Barreau E, et al. Obesity is associated with severe toxicity in patients with melanoma treated with anti-PD-1. Clin Cancer Res. 2017;23(13):3422-3428. <https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/23/13/3422/212522/Obesity-is-associated-with-severe-toxicity-in>
4. DrugPatentWatch.com - Nivolumab. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/nivolumab>