January 2015, Vol. 2, No. 1

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The Evolving Role of Immunotherapeutic Applications in Oncology

Sanjiv S. Agarwala, MD

Letter to Our Readers

Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the 2015 series of Immunotherapy in Oncology (ITO)! In recognition of the enormous advances being made in immuno-oncology and the overwhelming reception by our readership to this journal, the publishers of ITO and I are delighted to announce an increased issuance of this timely and essential journal. Within the 6 issues scheduled for 2015, we will explore applications of immunotherapy in oncology from its well-recognized role in melanoma to emerging uses in other solid tumors and hematologic malignancies with the intent of increasing clinicians’ awareness of immunotherapeutic options for their patients. It is our hope this increased awareness will lead both to improved quality of life and ultimately to increased survival for patients with cancer.

It is our goal to offer the following in ITO:

  • Insightful interviews with those on the forefront of the immunology movement in oncology
  • In-depth articles on forthcoming and FDA-approved immunotherapeutic agents
  • Reviews on the role of immunotherapy used in combination with targeted therapies
  • Updates on therapeutic vaccines
  • News from live events focused on immunotherapeutic strategies

Of note, in this issue we explore immunotherapy topics in hematologic malignancies and breast cancer as well as provide an update on therapeutic vaccines. We hope you find this diverse presentation of the role of immunotherapy interesting, insightful, and ultimately helpful to your understanding of the coming options immunotherapy will offer to your patients. We are enthusiastic about the offerings for 2015 and are pleased to have you in our reading community.

Sincerely,

Sanjiv S. Agarwala, MD
ITO Editor in Chief

Uncategorized - February 18, 2015

Will PD-1 Blockers Have a Role in Hematologic Cancers?

The checkpoint inhibitors – the anti-­CTLA-4 agent ipilimumab and the PD-1 blockers nivolumab and pembrolizumab (with others coming) – have shown promise in multiple solid tumors and are showing hints of activity in hematologic malignancies as well. But according to early research, their use in hematology may be somewhat more [ Read More ]

Lung Cancer - February 18, 2015

FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Genentech’s Investigational Cancer Immunotherapy MPDL3280A (Anti–PD-L1) in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Second FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MPDL3280A Following Bladder Cancer in 2014 Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, announced today that it has received a second Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its in­vestigational cancer immunotherapy MPDL3280A (anti–PD-L1). The designation was granted for [ Read More ]