[Immuncheckpoint Inhibitors: Current Indications and Possible Future Concepts]

Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2018 Jul;143(14):1014-1021. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-125001. Epub 2018 Jul 13.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Immuno-oncological therapy concepts have already achieved great success in the treatment of a number of advanced malignancies, thereby rapidly gaining access to clinical practice. Immuncheckpoint inhibitors are also being reviewed in the adjuvant setting. In malignant melanoma, they have already shown efficacy. Different combination strategies of Immuncheckpoint inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical evaluation to further improve treatment outcomes. However, this has so far also been associated with a significantly increased immune-mediated rate of side effects. Effective and safe immuno-oncology requires good clinical management of immune-mediated side effects. Radiological assessment is challenging under immunotherapy and requires new standards (iRECIST). Encouraging is the fact that immunotherapy also causes long-term remissions in some of the patients. This raises the hope for a fundamentally curative potential of immuno-oncological therapeutic approaches.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological*
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / immunology
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Receptors, Immunologic / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Receptors, Immunologic