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Behavioral factors to modulate immunotherapy efficacy in cancer
C Jongerius1,2,3, L Vermeulen1,2,3, M van Egmond4,5
1Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Immunology
|January 2, 2023
Summary
Behavioral strategies like stress modulation and exercise may enhance cancer immunotherapy effectiveness. Further research is crucial to integrate these approaches with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Behavioral Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapies, activate the immune system against cancer.
- A significant portion of patients do not respond to current ICI treatments.
- Behavioral factors influence cancer progression and treatment efficacy, mediated by the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of behavioral mechanisms to complement cancer immunotherapy.
- To review preliminary evidence for stress modulation, exercise, and classical conditioning in enhancing immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of behavioral medicine principles and their intersection with immunology.
- Discussion of preliminary evidence supporting behavioral interventions in cancer treatment.
- Analysis of the suitability of stress modulation, exercise, and conditioning for immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Behavioral factors, including stress, exercise, and conditioning, show potential to modulate immune responses relevant to cancer.
- These behavioral strategies may enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral interventions represent a promising avenue to improve responses to cancer immunotherapy.
- Rigorous experimental validation is needed to integrate behavioral strategies into clinical practice for enhanced anti-tumor effects.
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