Limitations and opportunities for immune checkpoint inhibitors in pediatric malignancies

Cancer Treat Rev. 2017 Jul:58:22-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.05.006. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown great promise in a wide spectrum of adult solid and hematological malignancies, achieving objective tumor responses and prolonging survival. However, there is limited clinical success amongst pediatric patients. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of ICI and present an up-to-date overview of recent and ongoing clinical trials of ICI in pediatric malignancies. In addition, we will discuss immunologic and clinical difficulties in this young population, as well as future prospects for combination of ICI with other immune-based and conventional treatments.

Keywords: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4); Immune checkpoint inhibitor; Immunotherapy; Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1); Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • B7 Antigens / antagonists & inhibitors
  • B7 Antigens / immunology
  • B7-H1 Antigen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • B7-H1 Antigen / immunology
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / immunology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Infant
  • Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • B7 Antigens
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • CD276 protein, human
  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • CTLA4 protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein
  • Lag3 protein, human