Checkpoint blockade

Checkpoint blockade is a form of cancer treatment that targets specific proteins on immune cells, known as checkpoints, which can inhibit the immune response. Cancer cells often exploit these checkpoints to evade detection by the immune system. By using drugs called checkpoint inhibitors, the treatment blocks these proteins, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. This approach has shown promise in improving outcomes for certain types of cancer, as it empowers the body’s natural defenses to fight the disease more vigorously.