Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoints are molecules on the surface of tumour cells which act as off-switches for the immune system. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs which block the action of these checkpoints, allowing the immune system to attack tumour cells. They have been used to treat a variety of cancers and are an important part of precision cancer therapeutics. Their use has improved survival rates in metastatic melanoma and some other cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have also been used to treat other non-cancer diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn's Disease.