CTLA-4
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
CTLA-4 stands for Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Inhibitory receptor on T cells that dampens their activation at an early stage, acting as an immune checkpoint. Blocking it with ipilimumab or tremelimumab unleashes broader immune responses against cancer.
Example: Ipilimumab plus nivolumab (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1) for intermediate-risk renal cell carcinoma.
Usage notes
James Allison's research on CTLA-4 blockade in mice in the 1990s led to ipilimumab, approved in 2011 for advanced melanoma and the first drug shown to extend survival in that disease. Combination with PD-1 blockade increases response rates but also the frequency of serious immune-related side effects. CTLA-4 is also used therapeutically in fusion proteins such as abatacept for rheumatoid arthritis.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- CR – Complete response
- CRAB – Hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, bone lesions
- CRS – Cytokine release syndrome
- Cryo – Cryoprecipitate
- CTCAE – Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
- ctDNA – Circulating tumor DNA
- CUP – Cancer of unknown primary
- DCIS – Ductal carcinoma in situ
- DFS – Disease-free survival
- DIC – Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- DLBCL – Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
- dMMR – Mismatch repair deficient
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.