Semin Oncol. 2015 Jun;42(3):418-22. doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2015.02.001. Epub 2015 Feb 24.

Immune checkpoint blockade in malignant mesothelioma.

Calabrò L1, Maio M2.

Author information

• 1Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy. Electronic address: l.calabro@ao-siena.toscana.it.
• 2Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.

Abstract

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a very dismal prognosis. Current treatment for unresectable MM is largely unsatisfactory; therefore, new therapeutic approaches are eagerly awaited. A better understanding of the complex mechanisms of immune escape operated by neoplastic cells and the ability to unleash an efficient anti-tumor immune response by targeting regulatory immune checkpoint(s) with immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), is leading to very promising clinical results in different tumor types. Herein, we highlight the clinical impact so far identified for these new immunomodulatory agents in MM patients and discuss their prospective use to design novel clinical trials.