Targeting the PD-1 pathway in pediatric solid tumors and brain tumors

• Main Authors: Wagner LM, Adams VR
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2017-04-01
• Series: OncoTargets and Therapy
• Subjects: PD-1; nivolumab; pembrolizumab; pediatric; sarcoma; neuroblastoma; glioma
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/targeting-the-pd-1-pathway-in-pediatric-solid-tumors-and-brain-tumors-peer-reviewed-article-OTT

Lars M Wagner,1 Val R Adams2 1Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 2Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA Abstract: While remarkable advances have been made in the treatment of pediatric leukemia over the past decades, new therapies are needed for children with advanced solid tumors and high-grade brain tumors who fail standard chemotherapy regimens. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors acting through the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) pathway has shown efficacy in some chemotherapy-resistant adult cancers, generating interest that these agents may also be helpful to treat certain refractory pediatric malignancies. In this manuscript we review current strategies for targeting the PD-1 pathway, highlighting putative biomarkers and the rationale for investigation of these drugs to treat common pediatric tumors such as sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and high-grade glioma. We summarize the completed and ongoing clinical trial data available, and suggest potential applications for further study. Keywords: PD-1, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, pediatric, sarcoma, neuroblastoma, glioma