Knowing the myeloid-derived suppressor cells: Another enemy of sarcomas patients
Daniel J García-Domínguez1, Víctor Sánchez-Margalet2, Luis de la Cruz-Merino3
1Clinical Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Oncology Service, Department of Medicines, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
Abstract:
Sarcomas are heterogeneous and aggressive malignant tumors with variable responses to current standard treatments being usually incurable for those patients with metastatic and unresectable diseases. The lack of curative strategies has led to develop new therapies in the treatment of sarcomas where the role of immune system is an evolving field. Most sarcomas often exhibit an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which reduces their capacity to trigger an immune response. Therefore, sarcomas are broadly considered as an "immune cold" tumor, although some studies have described a great immune heterogeneity across sarcoma subtypes. Sarcoma cells, like other tumors, evade their immune destruction through a variety of mechanisms, including expansion and recruitment of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs are immature myeloid cells that have been correlated with a reduction of the therapeutic efficacy, including immunotherapy, tumor progression and worst prognosis. Consequently, different strategies have been developed in recent years to target MDSCs in cancer treatments. This chapter discusses the role of MDSCs in sarcomas and their current potential as a therapeutic target in these malignancies.
Insights
Sarcomas are aggressive tumors often considered "immune cold." Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome immune evasion in sarcoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Sarcomas are aggressive, heterogeneous cancers with poor prognoses, especially in metastatic stages.
- Current treatments are often ineffective, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
- Sarcomas typically feature an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, hindering anti-tumor immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in sarcoma development and progression.
- To evaluate MDSCs as a potential therapeutic target for improving sarcoma treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sarcoma immunology and MDSC function.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which MDSCs contribute to immune suppression in sarcomas.
- Discussion of current and emerging strategies targeting MDSCs in cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Sarcomas often recruit and expand MDSCs, contributing to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
- MDSCs are associated with reduced therapeutic efficacy, tumor progression, and poorer patient prognosis.
- Immune heterogeneity exists across sarcoma subtypes, influencing the impact of MDSCs.
Conclusions:
- MDSCs play a significant role in sarcoma immune evasion and progression.
- Targeting MDSCs represents a promising therapeutic avenue for overcoming treatment resistance in sarcomas.
- Further research into MDSC-targeted therapies is warranted for effective sarcoma management.
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