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Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in ovarian cancer: friend or foe?

Monika Walankiewicz1,2, Ewelina Grywalska1, Grzegorz Polak2

  • 1Department of Clinical Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, Poland.

Central-European Journal of Immunology
|February 24, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a critical role in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Understanding MDSCs offers new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this challenging gynecological malignancy.

Area of Science:

  • Gynecological Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Gynaecological cancers, particularly epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), present significant treatment challenges despite advances in targeted therapies.
  • High incidence and mortality rates, coupled with late-stage diagnoses, underscore the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches.
  • The tumor microenvironment, especially its immune suppressive aspects, is crucial for understanding cancer progression and developing new treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
  • To explore the potential of targeting MDSCs for improved diagnosis and treatment of EOC.
  • To highlight the significance of immune interactions in overcoming treatment resistance in gynecological cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
  • Analysis of mechanisms by which MDSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in EOC.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of MDSCs in EOC.

Main Results:

  • Accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is a critical component of the immunosuppressive microenvironment in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
  • MDSCs contribute to immune evasion and treatment resistance in EOC by suppressing anti-tumor immune responses.
  • The presence and activity of MDSCs may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognostication in EOC.

Conclusions:

  • Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are significantly implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
  • Targeting MDSCs represents a promising strategy for developing novel immunotherapies and improving diagnostic tools for EOC.
  • Further research into the complex interplay between MDSCs and the EOC tumor microenvironment is essential for advancing gynecological cancer treatment.
Keywords:
T cellsmyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)ovarian cancer

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