PD-1/PD-L1 pathway blockade works as an effective and practical therapy for cancer immunotherapy

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy has greatly advanced in recent years, and PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy has become a major pillar of immunotherapy. Successful clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapies in cancer treatments have benefited many patients, which promoted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking drugs. In this review, we provide a detailed introduction of five PD-1/PD-L1 blocking drugs, with indications and studies, as a valuable reference for doctors and medical investigators. Moreover, the characteristics of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapies, including their universality and sustainability, are discussed in this review. Furthermore, we also discuss and predict the possibility of PD-L1 as an indication marker of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy for pan-cancer treatment, and the current status of combination therapies.