Checkpointinhibiittorit

Checkpointinhibiittorit, also known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, are a type of cancer therapy that helps the immune system fight cancer. The immune system has natural "brakes" called immune checkpoints that prevent it from attacking healthy cells. Cancer cells can exploit these checkpoints to hide from the immune system. Checkpoint inhibitors work by blocking these checkpoints, essentially releasing the brakes on the immune system, allowing it to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

There are several types of immune checkpoints that can be targeted, including PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1), PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1), and CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4). Drugs that target PD-1 or PD-L1 block the interaction between these molecules, while drugs that target CTLA-4 prevent T-cells from being deactivated.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer, among others. They can lead to durable and long-lasting responses in some patients. However, like all treatments, they can also have side effects. Because these drugs essentially boost the immune system, side effects can arise when the immune system attacks healthy tissues. Common side effects include fatigue, skin rash, and inflammation of various organs like the lungs, intestines, and liver. These side effects are often manageable with supportive care or by temporarily stopping the treatment. Ongoing research continues to expand the use of checkpoint inhibitors and explore ways to overcome resistance to these therapies.