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Immunoprevention of cancer poses a challenge to pharmacological research
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
The evolving understanding of the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis establishes that the long latency period would offer numerous opportunities for intervention before the final step of fully developed malignancy has been reached. Immunoprevention of cancer may be a new approach to cancer control, by eliminating the cellular minimal deviations that are seen in the early phases of carcinogenesis. Available results of immunotherapy of preneoplastic lesions and data on anticarcinogenesis with immunoregulators in experimental models are in good accordance with theoretical expectations. However, clinical research on immunoregulators still focuses on the treatment of advanced cancer. The major problem hampering a wider application of immunoregulators in cancer prevention is the possibility of potential adverse effects, which are largely unknown. The promotion of future research in this area is essential. Moreover, the ethical issues of intervention trials in cancer must be discussed, by considering the potential psychological and social consequences.
Insights
Cancer immunoprevention offers a novel strategy to control cancer by targeting early cellular changes. Further research is crucial to address unknown adverse effects and ethical considerations before clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Carcinogenesis involves a long latency period with opportunities for intervention.
- Cancer immunoprevention aims to eliminate early preneoplastic lesions.
- Current research prioritizes advanced cancer treatment over prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore cancer immunoprevention as a strategy targeting early carcinogenesis.
- To review existing data on immunoregulators in preneoplastic lesions and experimental models.
- To highlight challenges and future directions for immunoprevention research.
Main Methods:
- Review of available results on immunotherapy of preneoplastic lesions.
- Analysis of data on anticarcinogenesis with immunoregulators in experimental models.
- Discussion of theoretical expectations versus clinical research focus.
Main Results:
- Experimental data support the theoretical basis of immunoprevention.
- Clinical research predominantly focuses on treating advanced cancers.
- Potential unknown adverse effects of immunoregulators are a major barrier.
Conclusions:
- Immunoprevention shows promise for early cancer control.
- Further research is essential to understand and mitigate adverse effects.
- Ethical considerations, including psychological and social impacts, require thorough discussion.