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Cancer immunotherapy: avoiding the road to perdition
Maurizio Chiriva-Internati1, Fabio Grizzi, Robert K Bright
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA. maurizio.chirivainternati@ttuhsc.edu
Abstract:
The hypothesis that human cancers express antigens that can be specifically targeted by cell mediated immunity has become a scientifically justifiable rationale for the design and clinical testing of novel tumor-associated antigens (TAA). Although a number of TAA have been recognized and it has been suggested that they could be useful in the immunological treatment of cancer, the complexity of human beings leads us to reflect on the need to establish new criteria for validating their real applicability. Herein, we show a system level-based approach that includes morphological and molecular techniques, which is specifically required to improve the capacity to produce desired results and to allow cancer immunotherapy to re-emerge from the mist in which it is currently shrouded.
Insights
New criteria are needed to validate tumor-associated antigens (TAA) for cancer immunotherapy. A system-level approach using morphological and molecular techniques can improve treatment efficacy and guide future research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The hypothesis of targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAA) with cell-mediated immunity provides a rationale for cancer immunotherapy.
- Numerous TAA have been identified, but their clinical applicability requires further validation due to human biological complexity.
Discussion:
- A novel system-level approach integrating morphological and molecular techniques is proposed.
- This approach aims to enhance the reliability and success rate of cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Key Insights:
- Current validation criteria for TAA in cancer immunotherapy are insufficient.
- A comprehensive system-level approach is crucial for advancing the field.
- Integrating diverse techniques improves the precision of identifying and targeting TAAs.
Outlook:
- This methodology is expected to revitalize cancer immunotherapy research and development.
- Further studies will focus on refining and applying this system-level approach to diverse cancer types.
- The goal is to translate these advancements into more effective clinical treatments.
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