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Checkpoint Inhibitor Drugs Used and Some Being Studied For Mesothelioma

Posted on: April 2, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Checkpoint inhibitors are a type of cancer immunotherapy that have revolutionized the treatment of several types of cancer, including mesothelioma, by targeting specific proteins that help cancer cells evade the immune system. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer primarily associated with asbestos exposure, affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The use of checkpoint inhibitor drugs has offered new hope for patients with this challenging disease. Here’s a brief overview of checkpoint inhibitor drugs and their targets:

Drugs Targeting PD-1/PD-L1

  1. Imfinzi (Durvalumab) – Targets the PD-L1 protein on the surface of cancer cells. By blocking PD-L1, Imfinzi helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It’s used in various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, which shares some treatment strategies with mesothelioma.
  2. Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) – Targets the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, preventing the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction that leads to the inactivation of immune cells. This activation allows the immune system to attack cancer cells. Keytruda has been studied in mesothelioma and is used for several cancers, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer.
  3. Opdivo (Nivolumab) – Similar to Keytruda, Opdivo targets the PD-1 receptor, boosting the immune response against cancer cells. It has been explored in mesothelioma through clinical trials and is used for the treatment of many cancers, including lung cancer and melanoma.
  4. Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) – Targets PD-L1 like Imfinzi and is used in treating various cancers, including bladder cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Its role in mesothelioma is under investigation to determine its efficacy and safety.

Drugs Targeting CTLA-4

  1. Imjudo (Tremelimumab) – A relatively newer entrant, Imjudo targets CTLA-4, another checkpoint protein that regulates the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. By inhibiting CTLA-4, Imjudo can potentiate the immune response against cancer cells. It’s being studied in combination with other therapies for mesothelioma.
  2. Yervoy (Ipilimumab) – Targets CTLA-4 to enhance the immune system’s response to cancer. Yervoy has been approved for the treatment of melanoma and is under investigation for its potential in treating mesothelioma, often in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for a more robust immune response.

The combination of these therapies, especially those targeting different mechanisms of the immune response (such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4), has shown promise in improving outcomes for mesothelioma patients. However, the effectiveness and safety of these treatments are continually being evaluated through clinical trials, which are crucial for understanding the best ways to treat different cancers, including mesothelioma.