{"id":"e900f293-f038-41de-8431-d575fea46b4d","slug":"immune-checkpoint-inhibitors-advances-and-impact-in-neuro-oncology","title":"Immune checkpoint inhibitors: Advances and impact in neuro-oncology","authors":["Jawad Fares","Mohamad Y. Fares","Youssef Fares"],"abstract":"Background: The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their discovery of cancer therapy through the inhibition of negative immune regulation. Their work on CTLA-4 and PD-1 has led to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have significantly altered treatment outcomes for various cancers. However, the effects of these inhibitors on central nervous system (CNS) tumors remain less understood. Summary: Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 have shown promise in treating several cancers, yet their impact on CNS-related neoplasms, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is still being evaluated. Preclinical studies indicate potential benefits of CTLA-4 blockade in GBM, while clinical trials of PD-1 inhibitors like nivolumab have yielded mixed results. The treatment of metastatic brain tumors has shown improved outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Conclusion: The evolution of immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a significant advancement in cancer immunotherapy, particularly for non-CNS tumors. While early studies suggest potential for GBM and metastatic brain cancers, further research is necessary to confirm their efficacy. Combining multiple checkpoint inhibitors may enhance antitumor immune responses, addressing the immune resistance mechanisms present in CNS tumors. Keywords: immune checkpoint inhibitors, neuro-oncology, CTLA-4, PD-1, glioblastoma, metastatic brain tumors, immunotherapy, cancer treatment","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/e900f293-f038-41de-8431-d575fea46b4d/featured/hero-1782420913343.png","publishDate":"2019-01-25T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/sni.sni_366_18","categories":["Neuro-oncology","Editorial"],"fullTextUrl":"http://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/9169/SNI-10-9.pdf"}