Immunotherapy for cancer

Cancer immunotherapy is an important treatment modality across many cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibition is widely used with many monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints including CTLA4, PD-1 and PD-L1. This has led to better outcomes for patients. This article discusses current immune checkpoint inhibitors, biomarkers of response and toxicities associated with these drugs. The oncological management of these patients can be challenging as they are given treatment over a longer period compared with other modalities of treatment including chemotherapy, therefore toxicities can manifest themselves at a much later timepoint; they are also broad ranging, requiring grading of severity, appropriate immunosuppressive management and the involvement of other specialties. The indications for immunotherapy are ever-expanding and it is being used in combination with other anti-cancer drugs.