Immunotherapy
Checkpoint Inhibitor
Also known as: Immune checkpoint inhibitor, Checkpoint blocker
Definition
A type of immunotherapy drug that blocks checkpoint proteins from binding with their partner proteins, allowing T-cells to kill cancer cells more effectively.
Detailed Explanation
Checkpoint inhibitors work by releasing the 'brakes' on the immune system. Cancer cells often use checkpoint proteins to hide from immune system attacks. By blocking these proteins, checkpoint inhibitors help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.