Current and Future Landscape of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Urothelial Cancer

Oncology (Williston Park). 2019 Jan 17;33(1):11-8.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the field of oncology, providing a novel mechanism for anticancer therapy. Programmed death 1-targeting antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-targeting antibodies atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab have been approved for use in advanced urothelial cancer in the post-platinum setting or in the upfront setting in platinum-ineligible patients. While this represents a significant step forward in management of urothelial cancers, most patients do not have an objective response to these therapies. PD-L1 expression is not a consistently predictive biomarker, but is recommended for checkpoint utilization in select circumstances. We report here a summary of known data and the differences between these agents, as well as future avenues to explore with immuno-oncologic agents in urothelial cancer. Much work is ongoing to better understand resistance mechanisms, to maximize efficacy with combination strategies, to find improved predictive biomarkers, to assess curative-intent strategies, and to better manage toxicity with these agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Immunotherapy / trends*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / metabolism
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor