Efficacy of immune checkpoints inhibitors in the treatment of solid tumors

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DOI:  https://www.doi.org/10.31917/1702074

In this article we described briefly the mechanism of action of modern immunotherapeutic drugs which act as inhibitors of CTLA-4 and PD-1 immune checkpoints. The most recent clinical data about efficacy of ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab and atezolizumab in the treatment of advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma as well as head and neck cancer were outlined. We summarized briefly the main advantages and safety profile of listed immunotherapeutics. We also discussed the contemporary evidence about potential prognostic and predictive role of known biomarkers which may help to select patients for this kind of treatment. Current regulatory status of immunotherapeutic agents and future directions of development for these drugs were also highlighted.