Dr. Cheson on Targeting PD-1 in Hematologic Malignancies

Bruce D. Cheson, MD, Professor of Medicine, Head of Hematology, Director of Hematology Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the investigation of PD-1 targeted agents as treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Antibodies that target PD-1 and PD-L1 are currently being explored in various cancer types. In general, PD-1 operates as a T cell regulator that suppresses T cell function. Inhibiting PD-1 causes augmentation in the T cells, causing them to attack cancer cells.

Several pharmaceutical companies are developing agents that target PD-1 and PD-L1, particularly for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute leukemia, myelodysplasia, and multiple myeloma. However, at this time Cheson notes, the data in follicular lymphoma are difficult to interpret and clearer evidence of benefit needs to be seen.