The role and possibilities of using immunotherapy in pediatric cancer patients

05/2017

MUDr. Viera Bajčiová, CSc.

Klinika dětské onkologie LF MU a FN, Brno

SUMMARY

Currently the most children with cancer can be cured with standard therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy). The only limiting factor is its severe acute toxicity and late adverse events. In pediatric oncology immunotherapy has some delay, but the initial clinical trials of immunotherapy show a good tolerance and promising results, specially in the setting of refractory or recurrent high-risk tumors. In this article we will discuss a current situation in pediatric oncology, what immunotherapies are being tested in the clinical practice, from monoclonal antibodies, check-point inhibitors to tumor vaccines, chimeric antigene receptors, cytokines and innate immunity.

KEY WORDS

pediatric cancer, immunotherapy monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, cell therapy, cytokines