Combination of Chemotherapy and Cytokine Therapy in Treatment of Cancers

MARIANA MALVICINI; GUILLERMO MAZZOLINI

Cancer Immunolgy

Springer Nature

Año: 2021; p. 169 - 182

The presence of immune cells as part of tumor microenvironment may result in tumor growth inhibition. A number of strategies destined to induce an effective immune response against cancer cells and to revert the immunosuppressive microenvironment are currently being carried out. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF or CSF-1), and interferon (IFN)-γ) secreted by immune cells demonstrated their ability to induce immunity against cancer. Nevertheless, systemic administration of recombinant cytokines may induce toxicity; in addition, the immunosuppressive microenvironment could limit its potential efficacy. In this context, strategies that combine chemotherapy and immunotherapy with cytokines have demonstrated potential for therapeutic synergy. For example, it is possible to potentiate the development of specific immune response by reducing the dose of conventional chemotherapy (e.g., cyclophosphamide, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and doxorubicin). This chapter provides currently evidence that supports the rationale for the use of combined therapy as a strategy to achieve antitumor immunity in cancer patients.