Toxicity of Checkpoint Inhibitors
Toxicity of Checkpoint Inhibitors
Immunotherapy has been pursued for many years, as an alternative to chemotherapy. Despite from many ineffective attempts, high-dose IL-2 was used with limited benefit and presenting toxicity profile which demanded more in depth professional training and improvement in facility logistics. More recently, T-cell infiltrating lymphocyte infusion followed by IL-2 has apparently improved the efficacy, but neither reduced toxicity nor complexity, which makes it even more restrictive.
With checkpoint inhibitors, outpatient immunotherapy may be used for the large majority of patients. The toxicity profile of these drugs is predictable and patients' safety may be ensured with strict adherence to guidelines developed by the researchers.
For many years, metastatic melanoma therapy produced disappointing results, due to the lack of efficacy of chemotherapy or complexity and restrictiveness in terms of IL-2. In addition to the possibility of BRAF and MEK inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become an important alternative. With clear guidelines to follow, toxicity should not be an issue in terms of preventing patient access.
Conclusions
Immunotherapy has been pursued for many years, as an alternative to chemotherapy. Despite from many ineffective attempts, high-dose IL-2 was used with limited benefit and presenting toxicity profile which demanded more in depth professional training and improvement in facility logistics. More recently, T-cell infiltrating lymphocyte infusion followed by IL-2 has apparently improved the efficacy, but neither reduced toxicity nor complexity, which makes it even more restrictive.
With checkpoint inhibitors, outpatient immunotherapy may be used for the large majority of patients. The toxicity profile of these drugs is predictable and patients' safety may be ensured with strict adherence to guidelines developed by the researchers.
For many years, metastatic melanoma therapy produced disappointing results, due to the lack of efficacy of chemotherapy or complexity and restrictiveness in terms of IL-2. In addition to the possibility of BRAF and MEK inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become an important alternative. With clear guidelines to follow, toxicity should not be an issue in terms of preventing patient access.