Checkpoint immunologique comme cible thérapeutique

New immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints can induce prolonged antitumor responses and increased survival. Rather than trying to induce a specific immune response with vaccine strategies, these new agents seek to overcome tumor immunosuppression by inhibiting the immune response inhibitors and thus release the brakes on the immune system. The anti-CTLA-4 ipilimumab was the first of these treatments to be approved in 2011 for advanced melanoma. Since then, other inhibitory pathways are targeted and early results obtained with anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 show very promising results with durable responses and lower toxicity. Their specific profile of responses and toxicities are currently challenging our oncology practice. Also, combination studies with conventional therapies will help us to better define the future strategies of treatment.