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Flow Cytometry-Based Isolation and Therapeutic Evaluation of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in a Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer
Published on: January 17, 2025
Killing the "BAD": Challenges for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Tian-Jiao Li1, Wen-Quan Wang1, Xian-Jun Yu1
1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Cancer regression often fails after systemic immune activation, especially for solid tumors due to their local immunosuppressive microenvironments. Among these, the pancreatic cancer microenvironment is unique and an important reason for resistance to anti-cancer treatments that include immunotherapy. In this review, the three main "BAD" characteristics that create and maintain this immunosuppressive microenvironment are discussed for effector T cells: Barriers to overcome, Attraction problems, and their Disabilities. These inhibit both effector T-cell activation and infiltration, reducing immunotherapy effectiveness. Combination approaches for killing the "BAD" aim to normalize the tumor microenvironment and are recommended to enhance anti-cancer immune-system efficacy in pancreatic cancer.
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