ICI

Medical abbreviation · Drug Class

ICI
Stands forImmune checkpoint inhibitor
CategoriesMedical

ICI stands for Immune checkpoint inhibitor, a drug class abbreviation.

Monoclonal antibodies that release the brakes on the immune system so T cells attack cancer, targeting PD-1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab), PD-L1 (atezolizumab, durvalumab) or CTLA-4 (ipilimumab). They are used in melanoma, lung, kidney, bladder and many other cancers.

Example: Grade 2 colitis on ICI: hold pembrolizumab, start prednisone 1 mg/kg.

Usage notes

Ipilimumab, approved in 2011, was the first; the underlying discoveries earned James Allison and Tasuku Honjo the 2018 Nobel Prize. Immune-related side effects can affect almost any organ, including colitis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, thyroiditis, hypophysitis and myocarditis, and are treated mainly with corticosteroids. Thyroid problems may require lifelong hormone replacement.

More drug class abbreviations

  • GIP/GLP-1 RA – Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like…
  • GLP-1 RA – Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist
  • GnRHa – Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist
  • GPI – Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor
  • H2RA – Histamine-2 receptor antagonist
  • HRT – Hormone replacement therapy
  • ICS – Inhaled corticosteroid
  • ICS/LABA – Inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist combination
  • IMiD – Immunomodulatory imide drug
  • INCS – Intranasal corticosteroids
  • INSTI – Integrase strand transfer inhibitor
  • JAKi – Janus kinase inhibitor

See all 113 drug class abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.