In this respect, IL-6 was shown to activate emergency myelopoiesis after myeloablation consequent to cytotoxic treatments.29,30 Furthermore, the use of monoclonal antibodies (i.e., nivolumab) targeting checkpoint inhibitors (i.e., PD-1) in cancer immunotherapy is frequently associated with severe side effects, which are mitigated by anti-inflammatory treatments, including steroids or the anti-IL-6 antibody tocilizumab in steroid-refractory patients.31 Combination therapy with nivolumab + ipilimumab was recently approved for treating unresectable cases of malignant melanoma. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is cancer.