Immune checkpoint inhibitors in mCRPC - rationales, challenges and perspectives

The advancement of immune-therapeutics in cancer treatment has proven to be promising in various malignant diseases. However, in castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) major Phase III trials have been unexpectedly disappointing. To contribute to a broader understanding of the role and use of immune-therapeutics in mCRPC, we conducted a systematic review. We searched the websites ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed and ASCO Meeting Library for clinical trials employing immune checkpoint inhibitors in mCRPC. This article not only describes the rationale of individual trials, but it also summarizes the current status of the field and sheds light on strategies for future success.