Beyond the Horizon: A Cutting-Edge Review of the Latest Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment

• Published in: Cancer investigation 2023-10, Vol.41 (9), p.757-773
• Main Authors: Boutros, Marc, Attieh, Fouad, Chartouni, Antoine, Jalbout, Johnny, Kourie, Hampig Raphaël
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Immunotherapy; Melanoma
• ISSN: 0735-7907; 1532-4192
• DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2267675

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a revolutionary paradigm in oncology, offering a potent arsenal against various malignancies by harnessing the body's own immunological prowess. In a whirlwind of advancement, an abundance of new ICIs have come to light, rendering it a Herculean task for physicians to remain au courant with the rapidly evolving landscape. This comprehensive review meticulously explores the crescendo of clinical investigations and FDA approvals that have come to light during 2022 and 2023, showcasing the metamorphic impact of ICIs in cancer therapeutics. Delving into the pith of pivotal Phase 3 trials across diverse cancer types - including lung, renal, melanoma, and more - the review illuminates the significant strides made in enhancing patient outcomes, alongside the unveiling of novel ICIs that have garnered attention in the oncological community. The analysis extends to the notable presentations at the esteemed ESMO and ASCO conventions, providing a panoramic view of the contemporary advancements in ICI technology. Furthermore, the review underscores the imperative of continuous exploration in overcoming the extant challenges, such as the quest for reliable predictive biomarkers and the optimization of combinatorial strategies to surmount resistance and augment therapeutic efficacy. Through a holistic lens, this article elucidates the monumental impact of ICIs, marking a significant epoch in the odyssey towards rendering cancer a conquerable adversary.