Immunotherapy and Cancer: The Impact of Checkpoint Inhibitors on Oncology Treatments

Abstract

Immunotherapy, specifically checkpoint inhibitors, has significantly transformed the oncology landscape, introducing a promising treatment strategy that harnesses the immune system to fight cancer. This review explores the mechanisms, clinical applications, and current challenges of checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment, focusing on the implications for diverse cancer types and overall patient outcomes. Key checkpoint pathways like PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, their roles in immune evasion, and the therapeutic potential of inhibitors targeting these pathways are discussed. Additionally, the review addresses the limitations, including immune-related adverse effects and the need for predictive biomarkers, providing insights into future directions and advancements in checkpoint inhibitor-based therapies.