Autoimmune diseases mean that the body is attacking its own cells. Researchers developing cancer drugs are attempting to recreate that effect. But instead of the immune system attacking itself, it will be trained to attack the tumor or the malignant cells. This is what doctors are referring to when they talk about checkpoint inhibition.
Checkpoint inhibitors are man-made antibodies that shut down key proteins on immune cells like PD-L1 – essentially halting a cancer’s ability to spread. Checkpoint inhibitors have been proven effective for certain later-stage cancers, but the genetic codes in certain people may inhibit their positive effects. In order to know if you’re a viable candidate for checkpoint inhibitors as a treatment for your later stage cancer, check with your doctor. They’ll go over your hereditary information to determine if it’s one of your best options.
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Dr. Scott Strome is the chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery at University of Maryland School of Medicine. Read More
Autoimmune diseases mean that the body is attacking its own cells. Researchers developing cancer drugs are attempting to recreate that effect. But instead of the immune system attacking itself, it will be trained to attack the tumor or the malignant cells. This is what doctors are referring to when they talk about checkpoint inhibition.
Checkpoint inhibitors are man-made antibodies that shut down key proteins on immune cells like PD-L1 – essentially halting a cancer’s ability to spread. Checkpoint inhibitors have been proven effective for certain later-stage cancers, but the genetic codes in certain people may inhibit their positive effects. In order to know if you’re a viable candidate for checkpoint inhibitors as a treatment for your later stage cancer, check with your doctor. They’ll go over your hereditary information to determine if it’s one of your best options.
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