Cancer Immunotherapy: from the lab to clinical applications. Potential impact on cancer centres’ organisation (original) (raw)

Cancer Immunotherapy: Where Next?

Cancers

The fundamental problem of dealing with cancer is that cancer cells are so like normal cells that it is very hard to find differences that can be a basis for treatment without severe side effects. The key to successful cancer immunotherapy will be based on a very careful choice of cancer targets that are sufficiently cancer specific not to cause serious side effects. There are two fundamentally different ways to deploy the immune system for such cancer treatments. One is to increase the efficacy of the cancer patient’s own immune system so that it attacks these differences. This has been achieved by “checkpoint blocking” which is very successful but only with a relatively small proportion of cancers. Secondly, one can produce antibodies, or T cells, whose specificity is directed against proteins expressed differentially in cancers. CART cell treatments have proved very effective for some blood cancers but not so far for common solid tumours. Humanised, unmodified monoclonal antibodi...

Future perspectives in cancer immunotherapy

Annals of Translational Medicine, 2016

The advent of immunotherapy has transformed the treatment paradigm of several solid tumors and is expected to influence the therapeutic algorithm even more in the future following the results of numerous ongoing clinical trials in a wide range of malignancies. Exploiting the anti-cancer effect of the immune system with the use of vaccines, viral vectors, and more lately with immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor modification, has been proven a successful therapeutic strategy in a broad spectrum of tumors. In particular, immune checkpoint inhibition in melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer and renal cancer, peptide vaccination in prostate cancer and glioblastoma, and oncolytic immunotherapy in melanoma are well-established therapeutic modalities that have obtained approval by regulatory authorities and are already in clinical use. A large number of ongoing clinical trials involving thousands of patients are currently seeking to define the appropriate tumor type, therapeutic setting, treatment combination and patient populations in order to maximize clinical benefit from immunotherapeutic agents. In this context, identification of the patients whose tumors are most likely to respond to immunotherapy by the use of appropriate biomarkers will be crucial for the optimal implementation of immunotherapy into the therapeutic armamentarium.

What have we learned from immunotherapy? Report from the 3rd and 4th meetings of the Campania Society of Oncology Immunotherapy (SCITO)

Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, 2016

Treatment strategies that target the immune system provide the opportunity for antitumor activity across multiple cancer types, regardless of mutational status or tumor histology. While many of the initial advances in immunotherapy have been in melanoma, the focus has now broadened to include many other solid as well as hematological cancers. Different immunotherapeutic approaches are being evaluated across tumor types and their various novel mechanisms of action and safety profiles offer the potential for a variety of combination regimens. Ongoing and planned investigation of these immunotherapies, alone and in combination, represents the start of a new chapter in our treatment of cancer and offers the hope of better outcomes for patients with a wide range of cancers. Recent advances in the use of immune-based approaches to treat non-small-cell lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, head and neck cancer and lymphoma were discussed at the 2015 Spring and Winter meetings of the Campania Society of Oncology Immunotherapy (SCITO) and are reported here.

Cancer immunotherapy: dawn of the death of cancer?

International Reviews of Immunology, 2020

Cancer is one of the proficient evaders of the immune system which claims millions of lives every year. Developing therapeutics against cancer is extremely challenging as cancer involves aberrations in self, most of which are not detected by the immune system. Conventional therapeutics like chemotherapy, radiotherapy are not only toxic but they significantly lower the quality of life. Immunotherapy, which gained momentum in the 20 th century, is emerging as one of the alternatives to the conventional therapies and is relatively less harmful but more costly. This review explores the modern advances in an array of such therapies and try to compare them along with a limited analysis of concerns associated with them.

Cancer immunotherapy in clinical practice��the past, present, and future

Chinese Journal of Cancer, 2014

Considerable progress has been made in the field of cancer immunotherapy in recent years. This has been made possible in large part by the identification of new immune-based cellular targets and the development of novel approaches aimed at stimulating the immune system. The role played by the immunosuppressive microenvironment in the development of tumors has been established. The success of checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies and cancer vaccines has marked the beginning of a new era in cancer treatment. This review highlights the clinically relevant principles of cancer immunology and various immunotherapeutic approaches that have either already entered mainstream oncologic practice or are currently in the process of being evaluated in clinical trials. Furthermore, the current barriers to the development of effective immunotherapies and the potential strategies of overcoming them are also discussed.

Emerging Trends in Immunotherapy for Cancer

Diseases

Recent advances in cancer immunology have enabled the discovery of promising immunotherapies for various malignancies that have shifted the cancer treatment paradigm. The innovative research and clinical advancements of immunotherapy approaches have prolonged the survival of patients with relapsed or refractory metastatic cancers. Since the U.S. FDA approved the first immune checkpoint inhibitor in 2011, the field of cancer immunotherapy has grown exponentially. Multiple therapeutic approaches or agents to manipulate different aspects of the immune system are currently in development. These include cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapies (such as CAR-T or NK cell therapy), monoclonal antibodies, cytokine therapies, oncolytic viruses, and inhibitors targeting immune checkpoints that have demonstrated promising clinical efficacy. Multiple immunotherapeutic approaches have been approved for specific cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trial stages...

International Meeting “Immunotherapy of Cancer: Challenges and Needs”

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 2007

The main aims of the international meeting "Immunotherapy of Cancer: Challenges and Needs" were to review the state of the art of cancer immunotherapy and to identify critical issues which deserve special attention for promoting progress of research in this Weld, with a particular focus on the perspectives of clinical research. Novel concepts and strategies for identifying, monitoring and predicting eVective responses to cancer immunotherapy protocols were presented, focused on the use of adjuvants (CpG oligonucleotides) or cytokines (IFN-alpha) to enhance the eYcacy of cancer vaccines. Moreover, the possible advantages of using diVerent types of dendritic cells (for active immunization strategies) or T cells (for adoptive immunotherapy protocols) were debated. A consensus was achieved on the need for enhancing the eYcacy of cancer vaccines or adoptive cell immunotherapy by combining these strategies with other anticancer treatments, including chemotherapy. Finally, initiatives for promoting clinical research by establishing a strategic cooperation in the Weld of cancer immunotherapy based on the active participation of all the relevant actors, including public institutions responsible of Public Health, National Cancer Institutes, industry, representatives of regulatory bodies, and patients' organizations were proposed.

Cancer Therapeutics: Next-Generation Immunotherapy

Cancer Therapeutics: Next-Generation Immunotherapy, 2023

Cancer remains a major global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The evolving field of cancer research has progressed from early detection to effective treatments aimed at decreasing cancer-related deaths. Molecular biology and genetics advancements have deepened our understanding of cancer biology, leading to breakthroughs in treatment approaches. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic option that uses the patient's immune system to combat cancer. Various immunotherapeutic strategies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, mRNA vaccines, and CAR-T cell therapies, offer targeted and efficacious therapies with fewer adverse effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Combination therapies involving immunotherapy and other modalities have demonstrated improved treatment outcomes, providing new avenues for tailored and more effective cancer treatments. Monoclonal antibodies, especially humanized versions, have revolutionized cancer therapeutics by providing high specificity and lower cytotoxicity. The FDA approvals of immunotherapeutic drugs underscore the progress made. Antibody engineering has further advanced the production of specialized and potent humanized monoclonal antibodies for clinical use. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown remarkable results in controlling tumor progression. CAR-T cell therapy and cancer vaccines offer targeted treatments, specifically in hematological cancers. Research on neoantigens and personalized vaccines presents new possibilities for more effective cancer treatments. Collaboration between healthcare organizations and researchers is crucial to drive further advancements and reduce the burden of cancer worldwide. While progress is promising, it is essential to approach these advancements with sensitivity and compassion for patients and caregivers, prioritizing self-care, and support. Continued research and development in the field of immunotherapy and other cutting-edge modalities offer hope for improved cancer care and outcomes globally.