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Updated: Jul 19, 2025
In Vivo Immunogenicity Screening of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles by Flow Cytometry of Splenic T Cells
Published on: September 23, 2021
Using immunogenic cell death to improve anticancer efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors: From basic science to
François Ghiringhelli1,2,3,4,5, Cédric Rébé1,2,3
1Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France.
Abstract:
Even though the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, a high proportion of patients do not respond. Moreover, some types of cancers are refractory to these treatments. Thus, the need to find predictive biomarkers of efficacy and to evaluate the association with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, appears to be essential. Because ICIs reactivate or maintain an active status of T cells, one possibility is to combine these treatments with therapies that engage an immune response against tumor cells. Thus, by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells, some conventional anticancer treatments induce such immune response and may have an interest to be combined with ICIs. In this review, we explore preclinical studies and clinical trials that evaluate the combination of ICIs with ICD inducers. More than inducing ICD, some of these treatments appear to modulate the tumor microenvironment and more particularly to inhibit immunosuppression, thus improving treatment efficacy.
Insights
Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with therapies inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) shows promise for improving cancer treatment efficacy. This approach enhances T cell activity and modulates the tumor microenvironment, overcoming resistance to ICIs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer treatment but face limitations due to non-response and refractory cancers.
- Predictive biomarkers and combination strategies are crucial for enhancing ICI efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical and clinical evidence on combining ICIs with inducers of immunogenic cell death (ICD).
- To explore how ICD inducers modulate the tumor microenvironment and overcome ICI resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical studies and clinical trials.
- Analysis of studies combining ICIs with ICD-inducing therapies.
Main Results:
- Combination therapies involving ICIs and ICD inducers demonstrate potential for improved treatment outcomes.
- These combinations can enhance T cell responses and modulate the tumor microenvironment by inhibiting immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Combining ICIs with ICD inducers is a promising strategy to improve cancer treatment efficacy.
- This approach may overcome resistance to ICIs by enhancing anti-tumor immunity and altering the tumor microenvironment.
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