Disrupting cancer angiogenesis and immune checkpoint networks for improved tumor immunity

Semin Cancer Biol. 2022 Nov;86(Pt 3):981-996. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.009. Epub 2022 Feb 8.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have advanced the field of cancer immunotherapy in patients by sustaining effector immune cell activity within the tumor microenvironment. However, the approach in general is still faced with issues related to ICI response duration/resistance, treatment eligibility, and safety, which indicates a need for further refinements. As immune checkpoint upregulation is inextricably linked to cancer-induced angiogenesis, newer clinical efforts have demonstrated the feasibility of disrupting both tumor-promoting networks to mediate enhanced immune-driven protection. This review focuses on such key evidence stipulating the necessity of co-applying ICI and anti-angiogenic strategies in cancer patients, with particular interest in highlighting newer engineered antibody approaches that may provide theoretically superior multi-pronged and safe therapeutic combinations.

Keywords: Anti-Angiogenic strategies; Bispecific antibodies; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Immune checkpoints; Tumor angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / adverse effects
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics