immune checkpoint inhibitor

American  

[ih-myoon chek-point in-hib-i-ter] / ɪˈmyun ˈtʃɛkˌpɔɪnt ɪnˌhɪb ɪ tər /

Also checkpoint inhibitor

noun

Immunology, Pharmacology.

1. a drug that targets and blocks certain proteins produced by T cells and other immune system cells in order to minimize the proteins’ restraints on cell activity, thereby freeing those cells to kill cancer cells more effectively.

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Etymology

Origin of immune checkpoint inhibitor

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

However, current immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs are extremely expensive and can cause significant side-effects.

From Science Daily

One such treatment uses immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs to unleash the immune system by releasing the natural brakes that keep immune T cells quiet, a feature that prevents the body from harming itself.

From Science Daily

"Cutaneous melanoma, which affects the skin, is the poster child of immunotherapy. It responds incredibly well to immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs," said Kammula.

From Science Daily

"All of the major advances in cancer treatment in recent years -- immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, CAR T cell therapy, cancer vaccines -- they're all rooted in basic research," says Joan Massagué, PhD, Director of the Sloan Kettering Institute and MSK's Chief Scientific Officer.

From Science Daily

Durvalumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-L1, has previously been approved for treating specific patients with biliary tract cancer, liver cancer, small cell lung cancer and NSCLC.

From Science Daily