EADV report highlights the future of checkpoint inhibitors in advanced melanoma

Source: Dermatology Times, September 2018

Immunological response to cancer comprises a series of complex steps ? from antigen release to the killing of tumor cells. In cancer immunotherapy, the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1)/ programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathways are particularly targeted.

Jean Jacques Grob, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology at Aix-Marseille University, France, identifies two main objectives of immunotherapy: to take advantage of the inflammatory micro-environment in order to activate inhibited T cells (PD-L1 expression), and if this is not done spontaneously, to transform the tumor micro-environment into an inflammatory one.

At the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress taking place this week (Sept. 13, 2018) in Paris, Dr Grob presented lessons learned in recent years as well as future questions regarding the use of checkpoint inhibitors in advanced melanoma.