Tumour Microenvironment as a Potential Immune Therapeutic Target for Tongue Cancer Management

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Immunotherapy is a significant advancement in cancer management, offering durable responses and serving as a fourth pillar alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
• In oral cancer, immunotherapy is approved for late-stage disease, recurrence, and metastasis, with emerging evidence supporting its efficacy as a first-line treatment to shrink tumors and provide long-term benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review immune evasive mechanisms utilized by oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) cells.
• To identify potential immunotherapy targets within these immune evasive mechanisms for OTSCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on immunotherapy in oral cancer.
• Analysis of tumor immune evasion strategies specific to oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Main Results:

• Immunotherapy shows promise as a first-line treatment for oral cancer, potentially leading to tumor shrinkage and long-term patient benefit.
• Effective immunotherapy for oral cancer necessitates a personalized, site-specific approach rather than a uniform protocol.

Conclusions:

• Understanding tumor immune evasion mechanisms is critical for developing effective immunotherapies for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
• Personalized immunotherapy strategies hold significant potential for improving outcomes in oral cancer patients.