Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that Opdivo (nivolumab) has received supplemental approval in Japan for use in combination with cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine for the treatment of unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. This approval signifies a crucial advancement in the therapeutic landscape for patients battling this aggressive form of cancer.
The approval is based on clinical data demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Opdivo in combination with cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine. The treatment regimen involves administering nivolumab at a dose of 240 mg every 2 weeks or 360 mg every 3 weeks via intravenous infusion, alongside the chemotherapy agents. This combination aims to enhance the body's immune response to fight cancer cells, offering a more effective treatment strategy.
Gastric cancer remains a significant health challenge in Japan, with a substantial number of patients diagnosed each year. The prognosis for advanced or recurrent cases is often poor, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatment options. Opdivo, an anti-PD-1 antibody, has shown promise in various cancer types by blocking the PD-1 pathway and unleashing the immune system to target cancer cells.
This approval expands the indications for Opdivo, which is already approved for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and other cancers. The availability of Opdivo in combination with chemotherapy provides a valuable new option for oncologists treating gastric cancer in Japan, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
