Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma

Abstract

A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer cells’ ability to evade and suppress the immune system have led to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies that act to promote an effective antitumor immune response. CTLA-4 inhibitors, such as ipilimumab, and PD-1 inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have revolutionized the treatment of advanced melanoma, leading to dramatically improved patient outcomes and introducing the possibility of long-term survival. These agents are associated with response rates that range from 10% to 60%. While this represents a substantial improvement over standard cytotoxic chemotherapy, there is still a large ..