Avelumab

Emerging Therapies in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Starting Blocks

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are neuroendocrine neoplasms, originating in the adrenal medulla and in parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic nervous system ganglia, respectively. They usually present as localized tumours curable with surgery. However, these tumours may exhibit heterogeneous clinical course, ranging from no/minimal progression to aggressive (progressive/metastatic) behavior. For this setting of patients, current therapies are unsatisfactory. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown outstanding results for several types of solid cancers.

Immune checkpoint blockade for Merkel cell carcinoma: actual findings and unanswered questions

Purpose: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma arising from the skin. We aimed to review and deal with some of the most relevant controversial topics on the correct use of immunotherapy for the treatment of MCC. Methods: The primary search was carried out via PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (until 31st May, 2018), while other articles and guidelines were retrieved from related papers or those referenced in these papers.

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