Opportunities for Small Molecules in Cancer Immunotherapy

Author(s):
Zanden, S.Y. van der; Luimstra, J.J. (0000-0001-9742-929X); Neefjes, J.; Borst, J.; Ovaa, H.
Published
2020
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy has proven remarkably successful through instigation of systemic antitumor T cell responses. Despite this achievement, further advancements are needed to expand the scope of susceptible cancer types and overcome variation in treatment outcomes between patients. Small-molecule drugs targeting defined pathways and/or cells capable of immune modulation are expected to substantially improve efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Small-molecule drugs possess unique properties compatible with systemic administration and amenable to both extracellular and intracellular targets. These compounds can modify molecular pathways to overcome immune tolerance and suppression towards effective antitumor responses. Here, we provide an overview of how such effects might be achieved by combining immunotherapy with conventional and/or new small-molecule chemotherapeutics.

Date issued
2020-06-01
Language
English
Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
Is part of
Trends in Immunology (2020), Vol. 41, no. 6, p. 493-511
hdl
1887/3181187
doi
10.1016/j.it.2020.04.004