Immunotherapy in Underrepresented Populations of Patients with Cancer: Do We Have Enough Evidence at Present? A Focus on Patients with Major Viral Infections and Autoimmune Disorders.

Immunotherapy in Underrepresented Populations of Patients with Cancer: Do We Have Enough Evidence at Present? A Focus on Patients with Major Viral Infections and Autoimmune Disorders. Oncologist. 2020 Mar 17;: Authors: Antonuzzo A, Calabrò F, Quaglino P, Roila F, Sebastiani G, Spina F, Pasqualetti G, Cortinovis D, Tagliaferri E, Peri A, Presotto EM, Egidi MF, Giacomelli L, Farroni F, Di Maio M, De Luca E, Danova M, Scottè F, Jordan K, Bossi P, Network Italiano Cure di Supporto in Oncologia (NICSO) Abstract The safety and activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors have been characterized in interventional and observational studies. However, only small studies have specifically investigated these agents in patients who are excluded or underrepresented in clinical trials, frequently referred to as "special populations" or "underrepresented populations." These include older adults, those with dysregulated immune activation, patients with a compromised immune function, and those carrying major viral infections, lymphoproliferative diseases, and major organ dysfunctions. Therefore, there remains substantial uncertainty regarding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in these specific settings. The Network of Italian Supportive Care in Oncology has carried out a multidisciplinary project, with the contribution of oncologists and other specialists, to retrieve the existing evidence on the use of immunotherapy in patients with solid and hem...
Source: The Oncologist - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Oncologist Source Type: research