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An Orthotopic Model of Serous Ovarian Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice for in vivo Tumor Imaging and Monitoring of Tumor Immune Responses
Published on: November 28, 2010
Ovarian cancer and the immune system - The role of targeted therapies
Taylor B Turner1, Donald J Buchsbaum2, J Michael Straughn1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Abstract:
The majority of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer are diagnosed with advanced disease. While many of these patients will respond initially to chemotherapy, the majority will relapse and die of their disease. Targeted therapies that block or activate specific intracellular signaling pathways have been disappointing. In the past 15years, the role of the immune system in ovarian cancer has been investigated. Patients with a more robust immune response, as documented by the presence of lymphocytes infiltrating within their tumor, have increased survival and better response to chemotherapy. In addition, a strong immunosuppressive environment often accompanies ovarian cancer. Recent research has identified potential therapies that leverage the immune system to identify and destroy tumor cells that previously evaded immunosurveillance mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the role of the immune system in ovarian cancer and focus on specific pathways and molecules that show a potential for targeted therapy. We also review the ongoing clinical trials using targeted immunotherapy in ovarian cancer. The role of targeted immunotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer represents a field of growing research and clinical importance.
Insights
Ovarian cancer immunotherapy harnesses the immune system to fight advanced disease. Targeting immune responses offers new hope for patients with ovarian cancer who often relapse after chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Most epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients are diagnosed with advanced disease.
- Initial chemotherapy response is often followed by relapse and disease progression.
- Targeted therapies focusing on intracellular signaling pathways have yielded disappointing results in EOC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the immune system in ovarian cancer.
- To highlight specific immune pathways and molecules with therapeutic potential.
- To discuss ongoing clinical trials in targeted immunotherapy for ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of the immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer.
- Examination of targeted immunotherapy strategies and clinical trial data.
Main Results:
- Increased patient survival and chemotherapy response correlate with robust anti-tumor immune responses (e.g., tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes).
- Ovarian cancer frequently exhibits an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
- Emerging immunotherapies aim to overcome immune evasion and enhance anti-tumor immunity.
Conclusions:
- Targeted immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic avenue for ovarian cancer.
- Understanding and manipulating the immune system is crucial for improving outcomes in ovarian cancer patients.
- The field of ovarian cancer immunotherapy is rapidly evolving with significant clinical importance.
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