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International Journal of Clinical Oncology
Published in: International Journal of Clinical Oncology 3/2016

Open Access 01-06-2016 | Invited Review Article

PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in cancer treatment: perspectives and issues

Authors: Junzo Hamanishi, Masaki Mandai, Noriomi Matsumura, Kaoru Abiko, Tsukasa Baba, Ikuo Konishi

Published in: International Journal of Clinical Oncology | Issue 3/2016

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Abstract

Recent studies showed that tumor cells ‘edit’ host immunity in several ways to evade immune defenses in the tumor microenvironment. This phenomenon is called “cancer immune escape.” One of the most important components in this system is an immunosuppressive co-signal (immune checkpoint) mediated by the PD-1 receptor and its ligand, PD-L1. PD-1 is mainly expressed on activated T cells, whereas PD-L1 is expressed on several types of tumor cells. Preclinical studies have shown that inhibition of the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1 enhances the T-cell response and mediates antitumor activity. Several clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 signal-blockade agents have exhibited dramatic antitumor efficacy in patients with certain types of solid or hematological malignancies. In this review, we highlight recent clinical trials using anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies against several types of malignancies, including a trial conducted in our department, and describe the clinical perspectives and issues regarding the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in cancer treatment.
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Metadata
Title
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in cancer treatment: perspectives and issues
Authors
Junzo Hamanishi
Masaki Mandai
Noriomi Matsumura
Kaoru Abiko
Tsukasa Baba
Ikuo Konishi
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
International Journal of Clinical Oncology / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 1341-9625
Electronic ISSN: 1437-7772
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10147-016-0959-z

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