Open AccessThe delicate balance of melanoma immunotherapy
Author(s) -
Gyorki David E,
Callahan Margaret,
Wolchok Jedd D,
Ariyan Charlotte E
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
clinical and translational immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.321
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2050-0068
DOI - 10.1038/cti.2013.5
Subject(s) - immune system , immunotherapy , medicine , adverse effect , melanoma , autoimmunity , immunogenicity , immunology , cancer , cancer immunotherapy , disease , blockade , cancer research , receptor
The strategy of immune modulation for the treatment of cancer is being refined with the introduction of multiple new therapeutic agents into the clinic. Melanoma is a disease where many of these agents have demonstrated efficacy. The mechanisms of action of these agents exploit the counter‐regulatory mechanisms of the immune response. However, these agents are also associated with immune‐related adverse events (IRAEs), which represent tissue‐specific inflammatory responses. These IRAEs highlight the delicate balance of immunologic homeostasis and, with some interventions, may occur more frequently in patients who sustain a therapeutic response. This review will discuss melanoma immunogenicity and immunotherapy. Furthermore, the spectrum and distinction between a reversible immune adverse event and autoimmunity will be highlighted.