Statement from Japan's Public Interest Incorporated Association
Medical Supporter — Information Notice
This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of major Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
- January 25, 2016
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The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (a public interest incorporated association) issued a public statement regarding proper use precautions for Opdivo. A brief summary follows.
Since the 1970s, cancer immunotherapy had failed to achieve expected results for over 30 years. This was primarily because the immune evasion mechanisms of cancer cells prevented therapy from reaching its anticipated effects. (Note: Professor Honjo of Kyoto University discovered one such mechanism — PD-1 — which also advanced the development of molecular immunotherapy.) The effects and side effects of Opdivo differ significantly from those of chemotherapy and targeted drugs. Although many media reports suggest there are almost no safety concerns, cases have in fact been documented involving side effects such as colitis, pneumonitis, thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes leading to death. Additionally, the cost of this drug is significantly higher than other medications. Therefore, this statement was issued to remind physicians to pay attention not only to therapeutic efficacy but also to safety. For this reason, the Japan Lung Cancer Society published a request last December urging patients, family members, and related parties to exercise caution regarding Opdivo.
This article represents Medical Supporter's own interpretation and is provided for reference only. The official statement issued by the Society takes precedence.
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