Preclinical to clinical translation of anti-PD-1 blockade

Abstract

Pembrolizumab (MK-3475), a humanized monoclonal IgG4 antibody against programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1), is currently being studied in clinical trials across more than 30 types of cancers. Immunotherapy with anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibodies such as pembrolizumab shows robust, durable anti-tumor activity in multiple indications including patients with advanced melanoma. A more complete understanding of the mechanism of action and biology associated with both response and resistance to pembrolizumab is critical to better inform on future clinical development and will also provide insight into the development of additional immuno-oncology therapies.