Checkpoint Inhibition in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Abstract

As patients continue to die from malignant lymphoma, novel treatment options continue to be warranted. To successfully grow and spread, tumor cells need to escape the immune system; therefore, the augmentation or restoration of immune effectors against the malignant cell could be of great value, as shown, e.g., for allogeneic transplantation. A deepened understanding of the regulation of activation and inhibition of the T cell-based effector mechanisms has led to the development of drugs that are able to modify specific checkpoints of this system and thereby raise an immune response against tumor cells. With dramatic responses observed in Hodgkin's disease (HD), interest has risen to explore these drugs in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Available data underline the potential of checkpoint inhibitors in a variety of lymphoma entities, such as primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBCL) or central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, and there is hope that a significant proportion of patients will finally benefit. However, intensive efforts are needed to develop optimal screening tools, combinations, and sequences to explore the full potential of these new classes of therapeutic agents.