Combining DNA damaging therapeutics with immunotherapy: more haste, less speed.

ABSTRACT: The idea that chemotherapy can be used in combination with immunotherapy may seem somewhat counterproductive, as it can theoretically eliminate the immune cells needed for antitumour immunity. However, much preclinical work has now demonstrated that in addition to direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, a proportion of DNA damaging agents may actually promote immunogenic cell death, alter the inflammatory milieu of the tumour microenvironment and/or stimulate neoantigen production, thereby activating an antitumour immune response. Some notable combinations have now moved forward into the clinic, showing promise in phase I-III trials, whereas others have proven toxic, and challenging to deliver. In this review, we discuss the emerging data of how DNA damaging agents can enhance the immuno

SUBMITTER: Brown JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5808021 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature