Novel Compound Along With Checkpoint Inhibitors May Enhance Immune Response in Melanoma Patients

Source: News Medical, December 2017

A novel compound may restore immune response in patients with melanoma, according to a study presented at the ESMO Immuno Oncology Congress 2017.
“Checkpoint inhibitors are a standard of care immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma," said lead author Dr Sapna Patel, Assistant Professor, Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, US. “However, many patients do not respond because myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a type of inhibitory cell, are present in the tumor microenvironment."
“In animal studies, omaveloxolone inhibited MDSCs and restored immune activity," she continued. “Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) produce reactive nitrogen radicals that alter the receptors on the surface of the tumor to hide it from cytotoxic lymphocytes that kill tumor cells. Omaveloxolone inhibits MDSC activity, suppresses reactive nitrogen radicals, and restores anti-tumor immune responses. Administering omaveloxolone with checkpoint inhibitors may improve the antitumor response of these immunotherapies."