Dosage of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies: a cardinal open question

Clin Transl Oncol. 2021 Aug;23(8):1511-1519. doi: 10.1007/s12094-021-02563-3. Epub 2021 Feb 13.

Abstract

Discovery and clinical development of monoclonal antibodies with the ability to interfere in the regulation of the immune response have significantly changed the landscape of oncology in recent years. Among the active agents licensed by the regulatory agencies, nivolumab and pembrolizumab are paradigmatic as the most relevant ones according to the magnitude of available data derived from the extensive preclinical and clinical experience. Although in both cases the respective data sheets indicate well-defined dosage regimens, a review of the literature permits to verify the existence of many issues still unresolved about dosing the two agents, so it must be considered an open question of potentially important consequences, in which to work to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of use.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; Nivolumab; Pembrolizumab; Personalized dosage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / pharmacokinetics
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nivolumab / administration & dosage*
  • Nivolumab / pharmacokinetics
  • Nivolumab / therapeutic use
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • Nivolumab
  • pembrolizumab