BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent brain tumor. 
Despite recent advances in treatment approaches the prognosis remains poor, with 
a median overall survival of 14.6 months. Immunotherapy is the subject of 
ongoing research and its benefit is becoming evident in other malignancies. 
Immune check-points such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 
(CTLA-4), programmed cell death receptor (PD-1) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 
(IDO) reduce immune response.
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of immune check point inhibitors in GBM 
management.
METHODS: Preclinical and clinical trials of immune check-point inhibitors in GBM 
were obtained by searching for English peer-reviewed articles on PubMed 
databases, trials registered on clincaltrials. gov and abstracts recently 
presented at international congresses.
RESULTS: Immune check point inhibitors may be of critical importance for the 
design of future immunotherapy approaches in GBM management.
CONCLUSION: Immune check-point inhibitors should be considered a promising 
treatment option in GBM.