Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Yasmin Abaza, Amer M. Zeidan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of many solid tumors, with limited progress made in the area of myeloid malignancies. The low mutational burden of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one potential reason behind the lack of activity of T-cell harnessing ICIs, particularly CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. Innate immune checkpoints play a critical role in the immune escape of AML and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The CD47 targeting agent, magrolimab, has shown promising activity when combined with azacitidine in early phase trials conducted in AML and higher-risk MDS, especially among patients harboring a TP53 mutation. Similarly, sabatolimab (an anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody) plus hypomethylating agents have shown durable responses in higher-risk MDS and AML in early clinical trials. Randomized trials are currently ongoing to confirm the efficacy of these agents. In this review, we will present the current progress and future directions of immune checkpoint inhibition in AML and MDS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2249
JournalCells
Volume11
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2022

Funding

Keywords

  • CD47
  • TIM-3
  • acute myeloid leukemia
  • immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • myelodysplastic syndromes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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