PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in multiple myeloma: The present and the future

T Jelinek1, R Hajek2

  • 1Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Centro de Investigacion Medica Aplicada (CIMA), Clinica Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain.

Oncoimmunology
|January 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors show promise in solid tumors but are unclear in multiple myeloma (MM). Combination therapies, particularly with immunomodulatory agents, are suggested for better MM treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are effective in solid tumors.
  • Their role in multiple myeloma (MM) remains unclear due to conflicting research.
  • Discrepancies exist regarding PD-1/PD-L1 expression and immune cell involvement in MM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the role of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibitors in multiple myeloma.
  • To investigate the reasons for discordant results in current research.
  • To propose effective combination strategies for MM treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in multiple myeloma.
  • Analysis of discrepancies in PD-1/PD-L1 expression and immune effector cell identification.
  • Evaluation of potential synergistic combinations for MM therapy.

Main Results:

  • Monotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has yielded unsatisfactory results in MM.
  • Immunomodulatory agents show potential synergistic effects with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
  • Other combinations like daratumumab, ibrutinib, and anti-CD137 warrant investigation.

Conclusions:

  • PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors alone are insufficient for MM treatment.
  • Combination therapies are necessary to improve outcomes in MM.
  • Further research into novel combinations is crucial for advancing MM therapy.