Immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer: a new hallmark to change old paradigms

Clin Dev Immunol. 2011:2011:174149. doi: 10.1155/2011/174149. Epub 2011 Nov 24.

Abstract

Impact of immune microenvironment in prognosis of solid tumors has been extensively studied in the last few years. Specifically in colorectal carcinoma, increased knowledge of the immune events around these tumors and their relation with clinical outcomes have led to consider immune microenvironment as one of the most important prognostic factors in this disease. In this review we will summarize and update the current knowledge with respect to this intriguing and complex new hallmark of cancer, paying special attention to infiltration by T-infiltrating lymphocytes and their subtypes in colorectal cancer, as well as its eventual clinical translation in terms of long-term prognosis. Finally, we suggest some possible investigational approaches based on combinatorial strategies to trigger and boost immune reaction against tumor cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / metabolism
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • B7-1 Antigen / immunology
  • B7-1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / immunology*
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / immunology
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / metabolism
  • Carcinoma / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma / immunology*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology*
  • Microsatellite Instability
  • Prognosis
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • B7-1 Antigen
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CTLA-4 Antigen