Immune Checkpoint Blockade: The New Frontier in Cancer Treatment

Immune checkpoint blockers have revolutionized cancer treatment in recent years. These agents are now approved for the treatment of several malignancies, including melanoma, squamous and non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Studies have demonstrated the significant impact of immunotherapy versus standard of care on patient outcomes, including durable response and extended survival. The use of immunotherapy-based combination therapy has been shown to further extend duration of response and survival. Immunotherapies function through modulation of the immune system, which can lead to immune-mediated adverse events (imAEs). These include a range of dermatologic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and hepatic toxicities, as well as other less common inflammatory events. ImAEs are typically low grade and manageable when identified early and treated with appropriate measures. Identifying the right patient for the right therapy will become more important as new immunotherapies and immunotherapy-based combinations are approved and costs of cancer care continue to rise.