Immunology

Question 1

In general, what are the most common side effects following immunotherapy?

Answer 1

GI and Skin

Combination therapy increases incidence of side effects. More common in those with history of auto-immune disease (relative contraindication).

Question 2

Describe the process of pseudoprogression following immunotherapy

Answer 2

Transient increase in size of “tumour” due to immune infilitration and oedema

Question 3

Describe the process of hyperprogression following immunotherapy

Answer 3

Hyperprogression reflects the unexpectedly rapid progression of disease in patients receiving immunotherapy (with clinically deleterious implications)

Question 4

Can you name any Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and the proteins they target ?

Answer 4

CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4) - Ipilimumab

PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1)
- Nivolumab
- Pembrolizumab

PD-L1 (program cell death ligand 1)
- Atezolizumab
- Avelumab
- Durvalumab