Episode 200: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

We discuss a new class of medications, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, and their side effects.

Hosts:
Avir Mitra, MD
Brian Gilberti, MD

Download Leave a Comment Tags: Oncology Show Notes Overview of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs)

• ICIs are a relatively new class of oncologic drugs that have revolutionized cancer treatment.
• Unlike chemotherapy, ICIs help the immune system develop memory against cancer cells and adapt as the cancer mutates.
• Since their release in 2011, ICIs have expanded to 83 indications for 17 different cancers, with approximately 230,000 patients using them.

Mechanism of Action

• Cancer cells can evade the immune system by binding to T cell receptors that downregulate the immune response.
• ICIs work by blocking these receptors or ligands, preventing the downregulation and allowing T cells to proliferate and attack cancer cells.
• Common ICIs

Risks and Toxicities of ICIs

• ICIs can lead to autoimmune attacks on healthy cells due to immune system upregulation.