MK3475, being developed by Merck & Co., is among a new category of drugs that unleash an army of immune cells to hunt down a cancer.
For decades, cancer researchers have wondered why the immune system typically doesn't treat tumor cells as invaders and target them. Part of the mystery was recently solved: Tumors protect themselves by hijacking the body's natural brake for the immune system.
MK3475, being developed by Merck & Co., is among a new category of drugs that release the brake, unleashing an army of immune cells to hunt down the cancer. A recent report from a trial in which Mr. Stutz participated said that of 85 patients who took the drug, 51% saw their tumors significantly shrink; in eight cases, the tumors couldn't be detected on imaging tests.
Still, not everyone was helped. And unleashing the immune system can put normal cells in harm's way: In studies of MK3745 and similar drugs, some patients developed serious side effects related to immune-system response, including a small number who died.
Source:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323530404578205692226506324.html
http://www.mercknewsroom.com/press-release/research-and-development-news/merck-presents-early-stage-interim-data-mk-3475-investig
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