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An Orthotopic Model of Serous Ovarian Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice for in vivo Tumor Imaging and Monitoring of Tumor Immune Responses
Published on: November 28, 2010
Mini-review: Immunology in ovarian cancer
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract:
Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer has been studied for many years and programmed cell death protein 1 ligand/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) blockade has been attempted in several clinical trials; however, the expected therapeutic effect has not been achieved. In contrast, the PD-L1/PD-1 blockade has been clinically applied to endometrial and cervical cancers, and a certain therapeutic effect has been observed. In endometrial cancer, promising outcomes have been achieved with a combination of an anti-PD-1 antibody and lenvatinib, regardless of the number of regimens, even in cases of recurrence after platinum administration. Therefore, immunotherapy is expected to have a therapeutic effect on ovarian cancer regardless of platinum resistance. In this review, considering immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, we discuss the immune mechanisms that exist in ovarian cancer and the immunotherapeutic strategies that should be developed.
Insights
Immunotherapy using programmed cell death protein 1 ligand/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) blockade shows promise for ovarian cancer, despite limited success in trials. Strategies are needed to overcome resistance and improve therapeutic effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Ovarian cancer immunotherapy, particularly programmed cell death protein 1 ligand/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) blockade, has yielded limited therapeutic success despite extensive research.
- In contrast, PD-L1/PD-1 blockade has shown efficacy in endometrial and cervical cancers, suggesting potential for ovarian cancer treatment.
Approach:
- This review examines the immune mechanisms within ovarian cancer.
- It explores potential immunotherapeutic strategies tailored for ovarian cancer, drawing parallels with successful treatments in other gynecological cancers.
Key Points:
- The PD-L1/PD-1 blockade has not met expectations in ovarian cancer clinical trials.
- Successful application in endometrial cancer, including combination therapy with lenvatinib, highlights potential regardless of platinum resistance.
- Understanding ovarian cancer's immune microenvironment is crucial for developing effective immunotherapies.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy holds promise for ovarian cancer, even in platinum-resistant cases.
- Further research into ovarian cancer's immune landscape and novel therapeutic strategies is warranted.
- Adapting successful approaches from other gynecological cancers may accelerate progress.

