New and emerging strategies for targeting cancers: Challenges and opportunities (Review)

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy offer improved cancer treatment strategies.
• However, only a small percentage of patients respond effectively due to tumor histology and host factors.
• Cancer cell plasticity contributes to resistance against both treatment modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of chemo- and immunotherapy interactions and targets.
• To summarize advancements in regulatory mechanisms controlling treatment response and resistance.
• To discuss strategies for preventing resistance and relapse, enhancing treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on cancer treatment response and resistance.
• Analysis of regulatory mechanisms in chemo- and immunotherapy.
• Examination of emerging therapeutic strategies and upcoming initiatives.

Main Results:

• Cancer cells exhibit plasticity, leading to acquired resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
• Understanding regulatory mechanisms is crucial for predicting and overcoming resistance.
• Various chemotherapy and immunotherapy approaches are being developed to combat resistance.

Conclusions:

• Elucidating resistance mechanisms is key to improving patient outcomes.
• Novel strategies are needed to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
• Future research should focus on overcoming resistance and preventing cancer relapse.