Cancer Immunotherapy Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to cancer immunotherapy.

Immune surveillance

The immune system's ability to detect and destroy emerging tumor cells.

Tumor-specific antigens (TSAs)

Antigens unique to tumor cells, not found on normal cells (e.g., mutated p53, viral antigens like HPV E6/E7).

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs)

Normal proteins expressed abnormally or in excess by tumor cells (e.g., HER2, CEA, AFP).

CD8+ T cells

Cells that recognize tumor peptides on MHC I and kill tumor cells through cytotoxic granules.

NK cells

Natural Killer cells that kill tumor cells that have downregulated MHC I (missing-self recognition).

Tumor immune evasion

Methods used by tumors to evade the immune system, including downregulating MHC I and secreting immunosuppressive cytokines.

PD-1/PD-L1 interaction

Inhibits T cell activity, allowing tumors to escape immune destruction.

Checkpoint blockade therapy

Uses antibodies to block inhibitory receptors (PD-1, CTLA-4), restoring T cell activity.

CTLA-4 inhibitor

Ipilimumab, a drug used in cancer therapy.

PD-1 inhibitor

Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab, used in cancer therapy.

PD-L1 inhibitor

Atezolizumab, which blocks tumor PD-L1 from binding PD-1.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies that bind tumor antigens, leading to ADCC, opsonization, or receptor blockade.

Trastuzumab

A monoclonal antibody that targets HER2 in breast cancer.

CAR-T cell therapy

T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor targeting tumor antigens (e.g., CD19).

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS)

A risk associated with CAR-T therapy.

Cytokine therapy

The goal is to boost immune activation, e.g., IL-2 to expand CD8+ T cells.

IL-2

The cytokine used for melanoma treatment.

IFN-alpha

Enhances MHC I expression and promotes anti-tumor immunity.

Cancer vaccine

A vaccine targeting tumor antigens, such as the HPV vaccine targeting HPV E6/E7 proteins.

Immunoediting

The process by which tumors evolve under immune pressure: elimination, equilibrium, escape.