Robert Old

Robert Old contributed to the translational development of CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade from concept to the first approved cancer immunotherapy. His research helped bridge James Allison's discovery of CTLA-4 as an immune checkpoint with the development of ipilimumab as a therapeutic antibody. He was involved in characterizing the immune mechanisms underlying ipilimumab-mediated antitumor activity in melanoma. His work represents a milestone in immuno-oncology by demonstrating that releasing immune checkpoints could achieve durable survival benefit in advanced cancer.