Immunotherapy in Older Adults with Cancer

Curr Oncol Rep. 2019 May 7;21(7):56. doi: 10.1007/s11912-019-0806-2.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to examine the latest research and data on the use of immunotherapy in older adults with cancer in order to identify key gaps in the literature for future research.

Recent findings: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are gaining approval and being incorporated into routine clinical use for numerous malignancies across age groups due to their overall efficacy and favorable side effect profiles. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors appear both safe and effective in older adults, deliberate study of immunotherapies in older adults is highly warranted given the paucity of data in a population with unique immunobiology that comprises the majority of the cancer population worldwide.

Keywords: Aged; Clinical trial representation; Geriatric oncology; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Immunosenescence; Immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological