Rational combinations of immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Chin Clin Oncol. 2017 Jun;6(3):31. doi: 10.21037/cco.2017.06.04.

Abstract

The complex interaction between the immune system, the tumor and the microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) leads to the resistance of PDA to immunotherapy. To overcome this resistance, combination immunotherapy is being proposed. However, rational combinations that target multiple aspects of the complex anti-tumor immune response are warranted. Novel clinical trials will investigate and optimize the combination immunotherapy for PDA.

Keywords: GVAX; Immunotherapy; checkpoint inhibitors; combination immunotherapy; pancreatic cancer; vaccine therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / immunology
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Immunotherapy, Active
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Tumor Microenvironment