immunotherapy
Cancer treatment that harnesses the patient's immune system to fight malignancy, primarily using checkpoint inhibitors.
Full Definition
Immunotherapy represents a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment that works by enhancing or restoring the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. In thoracic oncology, the most commonly used immunotherapies are immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab, which block PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 pathways. These agents have shown significant efficacy in both first-line and second-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Patient selection often involves testing for PD-L1 expression levels and tumor mutational burden. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, immunotherapy can cause unique immune-related adverse events.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from targeted therapy and traditional chemotherapy; specify the agent when known.
In Context
- "The patient responded well to first-line immunotherapy with pembrolizumab." — Oncology progress note
- "Immune-related pneumonitis developed after three cycles of immunotherapy." — Adverse event report