Relatlimabenivolumab: A practical overview for dermatologists

Background: Relatlimab is a human anti-lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein antibody approved for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable melanoma in combination with nivolumab, an existing programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor. Objective: In this article, we review the clinical literature on the efficacy and therapeutic use of the immune checkpoint inhibitor relatlimab in combination with nivolumab for metastatic melanoma. Methods: We provide an overview of the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of relatlimab-nivolumab through a review of recent publications on this emerging therapeutic combination. Ongoing clinical trials studying the use of relatlimab and associated areas of active investigation are also highlighted. Conclusion: This review strives to inform practicing dermatologists on the use of relatlimab-nivolumab as an approved first-line dual checkpoint inhibitor for metastatic melanoma in appropriate clinical cases. ( J Am Acad Dermatol 2023;89:1031-7.)