Ipilimumab in non-small cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer: new knowledge on a new therapeutic strategy.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Despite recent advances with new chemotherapeutic agents and target therapies, the prognosis of NSCLC remains poor. Recent results from clinical trials of immunotherapeutic agents, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors, make this approach very exciting in NSCLC. Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 that is able to stimulate the antitumour immune response by promoting T-cell activation.

AREAS COVERED:

We have reviewed the literature and have described the most important results obtained with ipilimumab in NSCLC in recent trials with a specific focus on its peculiar toxicity profile and pattern of response. Trials ongoing with ipilimumab are also reported.

EXPERT OPINION:

The results from clinical trials with ipilimumab are promising. Some important issues in the near future will be to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers to select patients who could benefit from this drug. Further studies are warranted to understand how to combine ipilimumab with other anticancer strategies.

• Authors: Erika Rijavec, Carlo Genova, Giulia Barletta, Giovanni Burrafato, Federica Biello, Maria Giovanna Dal Bello, Simona Coco, Anna Truini, Angela Alama, Francesco Boccardo, Francesco Grossi
• Journal: Expert opinion on biological therapy (Expert Opin Biol Ther) Vol. 14 Issue 7 Pg. 1007-17 (Jul 2014) ISSN: 1744-7682 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24702205 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antineoplastic Agents
• CTLA-4 Antigen
• Immunologic Factors
• Ipilimumab

Topics

• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• CTLA-4 Antigen (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (therapeutic use)
• Ipilimumab
• Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (drug therapy)