Augmenting the responses to checkpoint inhibitors, which remove the “breaks” from the immune response, is a very popular area of research. The general concept is to turn immunologically cold tumors hot. For example, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered an immunologically cold tumor – anti-PD(L)1 therapy has shown responses of just 5-10%. Continue reading
Tag Archives: MDSC
Peripheral white blood cell profiles may predict response to checkpoint blockade
While some patients enjoy excellent and durable responses to treatment with checkpoint inhibits, most do not, and some even hyper-progress. Selecting patients who will benefit most has been challenging. Continue reading
Surprising Efficacy of Darzalex is not Solely Due to Anti-CD38 Activity on Myeloma Cells
We have previously reviewed anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody Darzalex (daratumumab) in multiple myeloma. Daratumumab targets CD38-expressing myeloma cells through a variety of immune-mediated mechanisms (complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis) and direct apoptosis with cross-linking of receptors. Continue reading
CSF-1 Inhibitor PLX3397 + Keytruda (Anti-PD1) for Multiple Cancers
Colony Stimulating Factor (CSF-1) is an essential growth factor for cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage, including osteoclasts.
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Chop Protein Suppresses the Immune Response in Cancer
The Chop protein, not to be confused with the CHOP chemotherapy regimen for lymphoma (Cyclophosphamide, Hydro doxorubicin – Adriamycin, Oncovin – vincristine, and Prednisone), is a multifunctional transcription factor. This 29 kda protein that is produced following unfolded protein stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, which then triggers apoptosis. Continue reading