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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Computing the Effects of a Local Radiofrequency Hyperthermia Intervention on Tumor Biomechanics
Published on: December 1, 2023
Turning cold tumors hot: from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications
Jiahui Zhang1, Di Huang1, Phei Er Saw2
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have achieved clinical benefit, but most 'immune-cold' solid tumors are not responsive. The diversity of immune evasion mechanisms remains a key obstacle in turning nonresponsive 'cold' tumors into responsive 'hot' ones. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms of such transitions and tumor immunotyping can provide significant insights into designing effective therapeutic strategies against cancer. Here, we focus on the latest advances regarding local and systemic regulatory mechanisms of immune responses in cold and hot tumors. We also highlight the necessity for tumor immunotyping through the assessment of multiple immunological variables using various diagnostic techniques and biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potential clinical applications of immunophenotyping to turn cold tumors hot, which may further guide combined immunotherapies.
Insights
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is effective, but many tumors are unresponsive. Understanding immune evasion and tumor immunotyping are key to converting
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies show promise but are ineffective against most 'immune-cold' solid tumors.
- Diverse immune evasion mechanisms hinder the conversion of nonresponsive 'cold' tumors into responsive 'hot' tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore mechanisms driving the transition of cold tumors to hot tumors.
- To highlight the importance of tumor immunotyping for developing effective cancer immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of latest advances in local and systemic immune response regulation in cold and hot tumors.
- Discussion of tumor immunotyping via assessment of immunological variables and biomarkers.
- Analysis of diagnostic techniques for tumor immunophenotyping.
Main Results:
- Identified key regulatory mechanisms influencing immune responses in different tumor microenvironments.
- Emphasized the critical role of comprehensive immunotyping in predicting therapeutic response.
- Highlighted the potential of immunophenotyping to guide combination immunotherapies.
Conclusions:
- Converting 'cold' tumors to 'hot' tumors requires understanding complex immune evasion strategies.
- Tumor immunotyping is essential for tailoring effective therapeutic strategies against cancer.
- Further research into immunophenotyping can unlock new avenues for combined immunotherapies and improve patient outcomes.
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