Azacitidine plus nivolumab against acute myeloid leukaemia

Prof Daver joins ecancertv at ASH 2016 to discuss preliminary outcomes of immunochemotherapy targeting the PD-1 checkpoint in the treatment of AML.

He describes the therapy, combining standard doses of azacitadine and nivolumab, as having the potential to deliver durable complete remissions, even in relapsed patients, though does note immune toxicity in some organs.

Overall, there is a significant improvement in overall survival for salvage patients, with greatest response from patients with high CD8 T cell presence.

Prof Daver considers how the use of PD-1 therapies in haematological malignancies differs from solid tumours, and future avenues for immunotherapy in leukaemia treatments.