Immune microenvironments in solid tumors: New targets for therapy

Stephen L. Shiao, A. Preethi Ganesan, Hope S. Rugo, Lisa M. Coussens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

261 Scopus citations

Abstract

Leukocytes and their soluble mediators play important regulatory roles in all aspects of solid tumor development. While immunotherapeutic strategies have conceptually held clinical promise, with the exception of a small percentage of patients, they have failed to demonstrate effective, consistent, and durable anti-cancer responses. Several subtypes of leukocytes that commonly infiltrate solid tumors harbor immunosuppressive activity and undoubtedly restrict the effectiveness of these strategies. Several of these same immune cells also foster tumor development by expression of potent protumor mediators. Given recent evidence revealing that immune-based mechanisms regulate the response to conventional cytotoxic therapy, it seems reasonable to speculate that tumor progression could be effectively diminished by combining cytotoxic strategies with therapies that blunt protumor immunebased effectors and/or neutralize those that instead impede development of desired anti-tumor immunity, thus providing synergistic effects between traditional cytotoxic and immune-modulatory approaches.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2559-2572
Number of pages14
JournalGenes and Development
Volume25
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 15 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cytotoxic therapy
  • Inflammation
  • Leukocyte
  • Radiation therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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