Q: Which doctor administers treatment using Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors or Immunotherapy?
A: Medical Oncologist use these drugs for treatment of cancers using Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors or Immunotherapy. They also administer chemotherapy for cancers.
Q: What drugs are immune checkpoint inhibitors?
A: Ipilimumab, Nivolumab, Avelumab, Atezolizumab, Durvalumab, Cemiplimab, and Pembrolizumab are the immune checkpoint inhibitors approved by FDA. Few others are awaiting approval.
Q: How many immune checkpoints are there?
A: There are eight activation checkpoint molecules and eleven inhibitory checkpoint molecules. Only two of the eleven inhibitory checkpoint molecules are exploited in the treatment using immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Q: What is the ultimate aim of Immunotherapy?
A: The ultimate aim of Immunotherapy is to put an end to cancers through a durable immune response created by the body's immune system.
Q: What is the success rate of Immunotherapy?
A: About 15-20% of patients using immunotherapy gain long-lasting positive outcomes. The success rate of individual medications depends on the stage and type of cancer.
Q: How often is Immunotherapy administered?
A: Immunotherapy may be administered daily, weekly, or monthly. Factors that determine the frequency and duration of Immunotherapy for cancer treatment include stage, type, and form of the Cancer being treated, treatment history, response created in the patient's body, and the development of adverse effects.
