checkpoint inhibitor
Immunotherapy drugs that block immune checkpoint proteins, allowing T cells to attack cancer cells more effectively.
Full Definition
Checkpoint inhibitors are a class of immunotherapy drugs that target immune checkpoint proteins such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. These proteins normally act as brakes on the immune system to prevent excessive immune activation, but cancer cells can exploit these pathways to evade immune recognition. By blocking these checkpoints, these drugs enhance the ability of T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Common checkpoint inhibitors include pembrolizumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab, and atezolizumab. They have shown remarkable efficacy in various cancers but can cause unique immune-related adverse events.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the exact drug name when documenting treatment rather than using the class term alone.
In Context
- "The patient developed immune-related colitis following checkpoint inhibitor therapy." — Adverse event report
- "Checkpoint inhibitor treatment resulted in durable complete response." — Response assessment