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Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Era of Precision Medicine: What Radiologists Should Know

Marta Braschi-Amirfarzan1, Sree Harsha Tirumani1, Frank Stephen Hodi2

  • 1Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Korean Journal of Radiology
|January 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1/L2 have transformed cancer therapy. This review covers their mechanisms, uses, and imaging for response and toxicities.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a significant advancement in treating advanced cancers.
  • Approved ICIs target cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2.
  • Understanding ICI mechanisms is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving ICI efficacy.
  • To detail clinical applications, imaging criteria for response, and management of immune-related adverse events.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways targeted by CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1/L2 antibodies.
  • Examination of imaging modalities and criteria (immune-related response criteria) for assessing treatment response.
  • Synthesis of data on immune-related adverse events.

Main Results:

  • ICIs have reshaped the treatment paradigm for various solid and hematologic malignancies.
  • Immune activation by ICIs leads to a distinct spectrum of adverse events.
  • Standardized imaging criteria are essential for evaluating treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Immune-checkpoint inhibitors offer a powerful new approach to cancer treatment.
  • Radiologic assessment using immune-related response criteria is vital for monitoring therapy.
  • Awareness and management of immune-related adverse events are critical for patient safety.
Keywords:
Immune-checkpoint inhibitorImmune-related Response CriteriaResponseToxicity

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