Immune checkpoint inhibitors in oncology: a primer for molecular imaging Cancer Care

1213Objectives: n 2011, the first immune checkpoint inhibitor monoclonal antibody was approved by FDA for treatment of advanced melanoma. Since then several new agents have been approved by FDA and increasingly been used as the first or second-line treatment for various neoplasms including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma. A subset of patients treated with these drugs demonstrates an atypical response pattern of initial progression followed by an eventual partial or complete response which was called pseudoprogression. These drugs can also cause a distinct set of severe or life-threatening immune-related adverse reactions. Given the central role of molecular imaging in cancer care, we will review the 1) molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of immune check point inhibitors, 2) current strategy to distinguish pseudoprogression from progression, 3) imaging appearances of common immune-related adverse reactions, 4) interactive cases with questions and answers, in order to ensure understanding of the presented material.
Source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine - Category: Nuclear Medicine Authors: Tags: Educational Exhibits Source Type: research