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The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Primary CNS Neoplasms: A Review of Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Approaches
Anita L Kalluri1, Pavan P Shah1, Michael Lim2
1Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Abstract:
Primary CNS neoplasms are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity, and many therapies directed at primary brain tumors have proven unsuccessful despite their success in preclinical studies. Recently, the tumor immune microenvironment has emerged as a critical aspect of primary CNS neoplasms that may affect their malignancy, prognosis, and response to therapy across patients and tumor grades. This review covers the tumor microenvironment of various primary CNS neoplasms, with a focus on glioblastoma and meningioma. Additionally, current therapeutic strategies based on elements of the tumor microenvironment, including checkpoint inhibitor therapy and immunotherapeutic vaccines, are discussed.
Insights
Primary brain tumors, including glioblastoma and meningioma, are challenging to treat. Understanding the tumor immune microenvironment is key to developing new immunotherapies for CNS neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Primary central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms cause significant mortality and morbidity.
- Many therapies for primary brain tumors fail despite preclinical success.
- The tumor immune microenvironment is increasingly recognized as crucial for CNS tumor malignancy, prognosis, and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the tumor microenvironment in various primary CNS neoplasms.
- To focus on glioblastoma and meningioma tumor microenvironments.
- To discuss current immunotherapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of primary CNS neoplasms.
- Focus on glioblastoma and meningioma research.
- Analysis of immunotherapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- The tumor immune microenvironment significantly influences CNS tumor behavior.
- Glioblastoma and meningioma exhibit distinct microenvironmental characteristics.
- Immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors and vaccines show promise.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the tumor immune microenvironment offers new therapeutic avenues for CNS neoplasms.
- Further research into glioblastoma and meningioma microenvironments is warranted.
- Immunotherapy holds potential for improving outcomes in primary brain tumor patients.
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