Research

PD-1 Inhibitors – a Potential Cure? Or at least more effective treatment option?

A recent article suggests that PD-1 and PD-L1 Inhibitors are Expected to Change the Landscape of Cancer Treatment

“The drugs target PD-1, an inhibitory T-cell co-receptor, or PD-L1, a ligand expressed on the tumor. It is thought that interactions between PD-1 and the ligands PD-L1 or PD-L2 can lead to antitumor immune suppression; the compounds in development are designed to interrupt those interactions, allowing T cells to fight cancer.” 

We are hoping this could be as effective in Oesophageal Cancer – and are hoping our Dad will be able to get on a trial of PD-1 starting January 2014. From our unqualified perspective harnessing the body’s own immune system sounds for more appealing than attacking the body with cytotoxic chemicals!