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Identifying PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors with Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Treatment of Cancer

Wissam Zam1, Lina Ali2

  • 1Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Wadi International University, Homs, Syrian Arab Republic.

Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology
|April 7, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block checkpoint proteins to enhance anti-cancer immune responses. This review summarizes ICI therapies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways in various cancers and their common side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are immunotherapy drugs that block checkpoint proteins, thereby modulating T cell activation.
  • Key targets include cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathways, which negatively regulate T cell responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive literature review on the use of CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 targeted therapy.
  • To update on the application of these therapies in various cancer types.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review.
  • Focused on therapies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1.

Main Results:

  • Seven ICIs are FDA-approved as of March 2019: ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, and cemiplimab.
  • ICI therapy is utilized in treating melanoma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions:

  • This review highlights the common adverse effects associated with ICI treatments.
  • Adverse effects of ICIs vary among individuals.
Keywords:
CTLA-4Immune checkpoint inhibitorsPD-1/PDL-1cancerside effects

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