[Immunotherapy as modern tumor treatment]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The immune system can prevent and repress tumors via cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are antibody-based drugs that modulate T-lymphocyte activation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific background of ICIs.
• To analyze clinical trial data on ICI activity and approvals for various cancers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific evidence.
• Analysis of published clinical trials on immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Main Results:

• ICIs activate T-lymphocytes via CTLA4 (priming) or PDL1/PD1 (effector phase).
• Malignant melanoma shows 60% response rates with combined ICIs.
• PD1 inhibitors yield 12-month PFS and 60% survival at 24 months for non-small cell lung cancer.
• Renal cell and bladder cancers show ~25% response rates and up to 4 months OS improvement with PD-1 inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• ICIs demonstrate significant activity against several tumor types.
• Response rates in melanoma and lung cancer surpass conventional chemotherapy.
• Future research may improve outcomes through combination therapies (chemotherapy, radiotherapy).