Targeting Immune Checkpoints in Melanoma: An Update

Abstract

Different treatment modalities encompassed under the term ‘immunotherapy’ have led to major breakthroughs in the treatment of melanoma. Immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 result in significant activity and prolonged survival in patients with advanced melanoma and are currently available for clinical use. Studies addressing novel immune checkpoint blocking antibodies, combined approaches and predictive/prognostic biomarkers are expected to broaden the applicability and efficacy of this approach. In this article, we will review clinically meaningful aspects of immune checkpoint blockade, promising strategies under development and the challenges faced in a continuous search to improve the outcomes of patients affected by this disease.

KEYWORDS :

• CTLA-4
• immunotherapy
• ipilimumab
• melanoma
• nivolumab
• PD-1
• pembrolizumab
• tremelimumab

Financial competing interests disclosure

MA Postow has served on advisory boards for Amgen and Bristol-Myers Squibb and has received a research grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

MA Postow has served on advisory boards for Amgen and Bristol-Myers Squibb and has received a research grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed