Harnessing gene fusion-derived neoantigens for 'cold' breast and prostate tumor immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Breast and prostate cancers are typically "cold" tumors, unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
• Limited success of current immunotherapies in these cancers necessitates exploring novel therapeutic targets.
• Gene fusions represent driver mutations in hormone-driven cancers, potentially yielding immunogenic neoantigens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of gene fusion neoantigens in overcoming immune evasion in cold tumors.
• To explore the potential of gene fusion neoantigens in enhancing immunotherapy sensitivity.
• To discuss challenges and opportunities in leveraging gene fusion neoantigens for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on gene fusion formation, neoantigen generation, and immunotherapy.
• Analysis of gene fusion neoantigens in the context of cancer immunotherapeutic strategies and clinical trials.
• Examination of computational and liquid biopsy technologies for neoantigen detection and application.

Main Results:

• Gene fusions can generate specific neoantigens that may sensitize tumors to immunotherapy.
• Understanding gene fusion mechanisms is crucial for neoantigen discovery.
• Current research highlights the potential, but requires further experimental validation.

Conclusions:

• Gene fusion neoantigens offer a promising avenue for treating "cold" tumors.
• Further research and technological advancements are essential for clinical translation.
• Targeting gene fusion neoantigens could improve immunotherapy outcomes in breast and prostate cancers.