Contraindications of Riflimab: Who should not use it?

Retifanlimab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that enhances T cell immune responses to tumor cells by inhibiting the PD-1 receptor. However, despite its significant efficacy in treating certain types of cancer, such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), not all patients are candidates for it. The following are contraindications for reflimab.

First, reflimab is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may pose potential risks to the fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy. Although there is not enough clinical study data to show the specific effects of riflimab on the fetus, for safety reasons, pregnant women should avoid using this drug. At the same time, it is not clear whether refulimab is passed through breast milk, so lactating women should avoid using it.

Second, patients with active autoimmune disease should also not use reflimab. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can activate the immune system, which may trigger an autoimmune response and worsen the patient's original immune disease. For example, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis may experience serious immune-mediated side effects when receiving reflimab.

Additionally, reflimab is not suitable for patients with a history of severe immune-related side effects. For example, patients who have developed immune hepatitis or pneumonia due to immunotherapy may experience recurrence or exacerbation of the disease with reflimab.

For patients with severe infectious diseases (such as active tuberculosis, HIV infection, etc.), the use of reflimab should also be avoided, because immunotherapy may weaken the immune system's ability to fight infection and increase the risk of infection.

Finally, any patient who is allergic to reflimab or its components should also avoid using this drug. Allergic reactions may include rash, difficulty breathing, etc., and may be life-threatening in severe cases.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/mtm/retifanlimab.html