Immunotherapy Drugs Show Promise in Treating Various Cancers

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Faculty of Pharmacy conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on immunotherapy drugs, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in the treatment of cancer. According to the study, ICIs work by blocking checkpoint proteins, specifically targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), which have potent immune-modulatory effects. The study highlighted the use of ICIs in treating various cancers, including melanoma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Seven ICIs are approved by the FDA, including ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, and cemiplimab.

Key Takeaways:

  • Immunotherapy drugs, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), work by blocking checkpoint proteins, specifically targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1, which have potent immune-modulatory effects.
  • ICIs have shown promise in treating various cancers, including melanoma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Seven ICIs are approved by the FDA, including ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, and cemiplimab.
  • The most common adverse effects caused by ICIs include immune-related adverse events, which affect people in different ways.
  • The study highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms of action of ICIs and their effects on the immune system.

Statistics:

  • 7% of cancer patients are treated with immunotherapy drugs.
  • 5/7 ICIs approved by the FDA are used to treat melanoma.
  • 3/7 ICIs approved by the FDA are used to treat non-small-cell lung carcinoma.
  • The most common immune-related adverse events caused by ICIs include skin, gastrointestinal, and endocrine disorders.

Sources:

  • "Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Treatment of Cancer." Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, 2022,17(2).
  • https://doi.org/10.2174/1574884716666210325095022
  • Wissam Zam, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Wadi International University, Homs, Syrian Arab Republic.
  • Lina Ali, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Wadi International University, Homs, Syrian Arab Republic.