Combination of anti-angiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint blockade normalizes vascular-immune crosstalk to potentiate cancer immunity

Abstract

Cancer: Combination treatment targeting tumor blood vessels and immunity Combining anti-angiogenesis drugs that reduce the growth of blood vessels and immune checkpoint inhibitors that promote the activation of cancer-killing immune cells offers a promising new therapeutic regimen for patients with cancer. In a review article, a team led by Chan Kim and Hong Jae Chon from the CHA University School of Medicine in Seongnam, South Korea, discuss the molecular crosstalk between blood vessels and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, a biological interconnectedness that provides a compelling rationale for the dual treatment strategy. The researchers summarize preclinical and clinical data demonstrating the potential of combining immunotherapy with treatment targeting blood vessel growth across a range of tumor types. These data have so far led to regulatory approvals for patients with cancers of the lung, kidney, liver and endometrium.