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A type of immunotherapy called a checkpoint inhibitor that blocks the CTLA-4 protein receptor on cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors release the ‘brakes’ on the immune system enabling T cells to kill cancer cells more effectively. Yervoy, often in combination with nivolumab (another checkpoint inhibitor), is used to treat advanced kidney cancer. Ipilimumab is the chemical (or generic) name of the drug, while Yervoy is the brand (or trade) name under which the drug is licensed and sold.

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