Lung cancer: a classic example of tumor escape and progression while providing opportunities for immunological intervention.
Lung cancers remain one of the most common and deadly cancers in the world today (12.5% of newly diagnosed cancers) despite current advances in chemo- and radiation therapies. Often, by the time these tumors are diagnosed, they have already metastasized. These tumors demonstrate the classic hallmarks of cancer in that they have advanced defensive strategies allowing them to escape various standard oncological treatments. Immunotherapy is making inroads towards effectively treating other fatal cancers, such as melanoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and castrate-resistant prostate cancers. This paper will cover the escape mechanisms of bronchogenic lung cancer that must be overcome before they can be successfully treated. We also review the history of immunotherapy directed towards lung cancers.
Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 5901 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA. martin.jadus@va.gov
Martin R
MR
Jadus
Josephine
J
Natividad
Anthony
A
Mai
Yi
Y
Ouyang
Nils
N
Lambrecht
Sandor
S
Szabo
Lisheng
L
Ge
Neil
N
Hoa
Maria G
MG
Dacosta-Iyer
D000906:Antibodies / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D018450:Disease Progression; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D015996:Survival Rate; D019139:Tumor Escape
D000906:Antibodies; D019496:Cancer Vaccines