Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Brain Metastases: A Primer for Neurosurgeons.

ABSTRACT: Immune checkpoint inhibitors enhance immune recognition of tumors by interfering with the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed death 1 (PD1) pathways. In the past decade, these agents brought significant improvements to the prognostic outlook of patients with metastatic cancers. Recent data from retrospective analyses and a few prospective studies suggest that checkpoint inhibitors have activity against brain metastases from melanoma and nonsmall cell lung cancer, as single agents or in combination with radiotherapy. Some studies reported intracranial response rates that were comparable with systemic ones. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of clinical data supporting the use of anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 agents in brain metastases. We also touch

SUBMITTER: Aquilanti E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7426188 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature