Blood reviews
-
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a condition characterized by the presence of a monoclonal gammopathy (MG) in which the clonal mass has not reached a predefined state in which the condition is considered malignant. It is a precursor to conditions such as multiple myeloma or lymphoma at a rate of ~1%/year. Thus, from a hematologic standpoint, MGUS is a fairly benign condition. ⋯ Finally, systemic involvement of multiple organs is well described in several entities. In all of these conditions, the role of the MG is no longer insignificant. Thus, the term MGUS should be avoided when describing these entities.
-
Tumor cells utilize co-inhibitory molecules to avoid host immune destruction. Checkpoint blockade has emerged as a promising approach to treat cancer by restoring T cell effector function and breaking a tumor permissive microenvironment. ⋯ In this review, we provide evidence of dysregulation of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-Ls in the context of several major types of hematological neoplasms and summarize relevant clinical practice points for checkpoint blockade. The preclinical rationale and preliminary clinical data of potential combination approaches designed to optimize checkpoint antagonists are well presented.