What is Anti PD-1 Therapy?
Anti PD-1 therapy is a form of
immunotherapy that targets the PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) pathway. PD-1 is an immune checkpoint receptor expressed on T cells, and its interaction with PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) helps to regulate the immune system by preventing the activation of T-cells, thus avoiding an autoimmune response. Cancer cells often exploit this pathway by expressing PD-L1 to evade immune detection. Anti PD-1 therapy works by blocking this interaction, thereby allowing T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.
How Does Anti PD-1 Therapy Work?
Anti PD-1 therapy involves the use of
monoclonal antibodies that bind to the PD-1 receptor on T-cells. By blocking the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1, these antibodies prevent the "off-switch" signal that usually inhibits T-cell activity. This blockade enhances the body's immune response against cancer cells, leading to their destruction. The most commonly used anti PD-1 antibodies are
pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and
nivolumab (Opdivo).
Research is ongoing, and the list of cancers that can be treated with anti PD-1 therapy continues to expand.
Increased
survival rates for certain cancers
Potential for long-term remission
Fewer side effects compared to traditional
chemotherapy Can be used in combination with other treatments like radiation therapy and other forms of immunotherapy
Fatigue
Skin rashes
Diarrhea
Endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism
More severe side effects can occur, such as
pneumonitis, hepatitis, and colitis. These require immediate medical attention.
The type and stage of cancer
Patient's overall health and medical history
The presence of specific biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression
Oncologists often perform comprehensive tests to determine the suitability of this treatment for individual patients.
Identifying new biomarkers for better patient selection
Combining anti PD-1 therapy with other treatments to enhance outcomes
Developing strategies to overcome
resistance to therapy
With advances in
personalized medicine, anti PD-1 therapy is likely to become an integral part of cancer treatment protocols.
