Glucocorticoid Effect in Cancer Patients

The use of glucocorticoids is very varied in the context of cancer patients and includes the treatment of symptoms related to cancer, but also the management of the most common side effects of antitumor treatments or adverse events related to the immune system. There is a quantity of experimental evidence demonstrating that cancer cells are immunogenic. However, the effective activation of anticancer T cell responses closely depends on an efficient antigen presentation carried out by professional antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs). The classic strategies to improve the medical management of inflammation are aimed at exacerbating the host's immune response. Although successful in treating a number of diseases, these drugs have limited efficacy and variable responses can lead to unpredictable results. The ideal therapy should reduce inflammation without inducing immunosuppression and remains a challenge for healthcare personnel.