Statements:
Section 1: Introductory Statements and Governance
Section 4: Clinical Pharmacy Services

ACPE UAN: 0475-0000-17-014-L04-P. A knowledge based activity.

Abstract

It has been known for many years that the immune system has potential for the specific destruction of tumours with no toxicity to normal tissue. It also has long-term memory that can prevent cancer recurrence.

However, cancer progression is often accompanied by immune suppression: tumours change normal immune regulation to their advantage. The expansion of tumour antigen-specific helper and cytotoxic T cells is prevented, and the production of proinflammatory cytokines and other factors is promoted, leading to the accumulation of suppressive cell populations that inhibit immunity.

Advances in the past 30 years are leading to novel immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer. Tumour immunity may be enhanced by blocking inhibitory pathways and inhibitory cells in the tumour microenvironment (e.g. antibodies against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, programmed death 1 or its ligand programmed death ligand 1). Also the specificity of antitumor immunity can be enhanced by inducing the expansion of T cells and antibodies directed to well-defined tumour antigens (e.g. cancer vaccines).

These approaches are already showing a substantial impact on some patients with advanced, previously untreatable, malignancies. It is time for hospital pharmacists to understand the promise and pitfalls of this new approach, which may change cancer treatment in the near future.

Learning objectives

After the seminar, the participant should be able to:
• identify the mechanisms by which tumours evade the immune system; 
• create new understanding of immuno-oncology anti-cancer agents and relevant clinical trials;
• define how to use the newly approved immuno-oncology therapy.

Keywords: cancer, disease management, therapeutic outcomes

* Indicates speaker or SC member has stated a conflict of interest which has been reviewed and accepted. See speakers' bios page for more information.