cemiplimab

Definition of cemiplimab

cemiplimab

(seh-MIP-lih-mab)
A drug that binds to the protein PD-1 to help immune cells kill cancer cells better and is used to treat different types of cancer. Cemiplimab is used to treat certain types of basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (types of skin cancer) that are locally advanced or have spread to other parts of the body. It is also used alone or with other drugs to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body and may have the PD-L1 protein, but does not have a mutation (change) in the EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 gene. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Cemiplimab may block PD-1 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody and a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor. Also called Libtayo.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms