Advanced Melanoma

Lifileucel

Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte

Table of contents

What is lifileucel used for?

Blocks cancer growth by using the patient’s own immune cells.


Treats advanced melanoma (skin cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread) after other treatments fail.

What is the mechanism of action of lifileucel?

Doctors remove part of the tumor to extract cancer-fighting immune cells

These cells are multiplied to billions in a lab to boost their cancer-fighting powers.

The strengthened cells are given back through an IV to attack the cancer

What are the contraindications of lifileucel?

Pregnant patients shouldn't use as Lifileucel as its effects on unborn babies are unknown

Where a patient has an active infection, they must avoid Lifileucel as it weakens the immune system making infections worse. 

Treatment side effects (e.g., low blood pressure) can be dangerous in people with severe heart or lung problems.

Important lifileucel prescribing safety information.

Lymphodepletion first -

Patients need chemotherapy (e.g., cyclophosphamide) to prepare the body for Lifileucel.

Monitor for cytopenia -

Lifileucel can cause severe drops in blood cells (platelets, white blood cells)

Watch for infections - Some patients can develop serious infections; antibiotics may be needed.

Avoid live vaccines - Weakened immune systems make live vaccines risky for months after treatment.

Lifileucel patient counselling advice.

Stay near the hospital - For at least 2-3 weeks after treatment to manage side effects.

Avoid large gatherings - Weak immunity increases risk of infection; practice good hygiene and self-care.

Report side effects immediately - Fever, chills, or trouble breathing could signal serious issues.

References

1. Iovance Biotherapeutics (n.d.). Highlights of Prescribing Information. [online] Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/176417/download?attachment [Accessed 4 Jun. 2024]. Link


2. Iovance Biotherapeutics (n.d.). Patient Information AMTAGVI (lifileucel). [online] Available at: https://www.iovance.com/AMTAGVI_Patient_Information/ [Accessed 4 Jun. 2024]. Link


3. Parums, D.V. (2024). Editorial: First Regulatory Approval for Adoptive Cell Therapy with Autologous Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) – Lifileucel (Amtagvi). Medical science monitor, 30. doi:https://doi.org/10.12659/msm.944927. Link

 

4. Sarnaik, A.A., Hamid, O., Khushalani, N.I., Lewis, K.D., Medina, T., Kluger, H.M., Sajeve Samuel Thomas, Evidio Domingo-Musibay, Pavlick, A.C., Whitman, E.D., Martín-Algarra, S., Corrie, P., Curti, B.D., Judit Oláh, Lutzky, J., Weber, J.S., Larkin, J., Shi, W., Takamura, T. and Madan Jagasia (2021). Lifileucel, a Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy, in Metastatic Melanoma. journal of clinical oncology, 39(24), pp.2656–2666. doi:https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.21.00612. Link


5. www.amtagvi.com. (n.d.). AMTAGVI (Lifileucel) Learn about AMTAGVI (Lifileucel). [online] Available at: https://www.amtagvi.com/receiving/ [Accessed 4 Jun. 2024]. Link