Expanding horizons of cancer immunotherapy: hopes and hurdles

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tumor heterogeneity, including immune variations, contributes to anticancer drug resistance.
• Targeting tumors using the immune system represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
• Recent progress in immunotherapy has shown benefits for cancer patients in preclinical and clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy strategies.
• To identify key immunotherapy approaches and their clinical relevance.
• To highlight challenges and future directions in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted over the past decade.
• Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• The review focused on established and emerging immunotherapy strategies.

Main Results:

• Key immunotherapies reviewed include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cancer vaccines, and CAR T-cell therapy.
• The role of the gut microbiome in modulating immune responses to cancer was also examined.
• Significant progress has been observed, particularly in treating melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Conclusions:

• Despite improvements, challenges remain in identifying predictive biomarkers and optimizing treatment management.
• Further research is needed on immune function modifiers, such as gut microbiome metabolites and novel biologics.
• Optimizing synergistic immunotherapeutic combinations with strategic drug delivery is essential for future clinical success.