Study summary
Adding ipilimumab to nivolumab did not improve results and caused more side effects
28% vs 47%had serious side effects, nivolumab alone vs with ipilimumab
What was tested
Nivolumab alone or with ipilimumab in advanced Merkel cell carcinoma not treated with immunotherapy before. Not randomized.
What they found
- Tumors shrank in 60% with nivolumab and 58% with the combination.
- Median survival was 80.7 months with nivolumab alone and 29.8 months with the combination.
- Serious side effects occurred in 28% vs 47%.
What it means
For first treatment, a single immunotherapy looks as good as two. A randomized trial would settle it.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team.
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