Abstract

This session is aimed at all those interested in novel immunotherapies to treat cancer. The approval of the anti-CTLA4 agent ipilimumab to treat advanced melanoma in 2011 was a landmark, whilst 2014 has seen the first approvals of anti-PD1 therapy in the US and Japan; further approvals are anticipated in 2015 and non-randomised trials have shown evidence of safety and efficacy in multiple solid tumour types. In this session the background for the development of T cell checkpoint inhibitors will be reviewed and the latest clinical and scientific data discussed, alongside consideration of the T cell surveillance of healthy and transformed epithelia.