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Oncology meets immunology: the cancer-immunity cycle

Daniel S Chen1, Ira Mellman

  • 1Stanford Medical Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Immunity
|July 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cancer immunotherapy harnesses the immune system to fight cancer by targeting inhibitory signals like PD-L1. This approach reinvigorates T cell responses and is becoming a vital cancer treatment strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cancer cells possess genetic alterations that trigger T cell responses for eradication.
  • The Cancer-Immunity Cycle governs immune recognition of cancer while preventing autoimmunity.
  • Tumor microenvironment factors can limit the efficacy of traditional immunotherapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of T cell inhibitory signals in cancer immunity.
  • To introduce novel immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints.
  • To understand the potential of combination therapies for enhanced cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of cancer-specific T cell inhibitory signals, such as PD-L1.
  • Development of immunotherapies designed to block these inhibitory pathways.
  • Analysis of clinical data on the effectiveness of novel immunotherapies.

Main Results:

  • Targeting PD-L1 and similar signals can reinvigorate existing anti-cancer T cell responses.
  • Combination therapies may overcome limitations posed by suppressive tumor microenvironments.
  • Emerging clinical data show significant promise for cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Cancer immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in oncology.
  • Targeting immune checkpoints is a key strategy for enhancing anti-cancer immunity.
  • Immunotherapy is poised to become a cornerstone of cancer management.

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