Abstract
Simple SummaryHere, we review the current state of knowledge in the field of cancer immunotherapy, focusing on the scientific rationale for the use of oncolytic viruses, checkpoint inhibitors and their combination to combat melanomas. Attention is also given to the immunological aspects of cancer therapy and the shift from conventional therapy towards immunotherapy. This review brings together information on how immunotherapy can be applied to support other cancer therapies in order to maximize the efficacy of melanoma treatment and improve clinical outcomes.In this review, we discuss the use of oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy in melanoma, with a particular focus on combinatory therapies. Oncolytic viruses are promising and novel anti-cancer agents, currently under investigation in many clinical trials both as monotherapy and in combination with other therapeutics. They have shown the ability to exhibit synergistic anticancer activity with checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, radiotherapy. A coupling between oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors is a well-accepted strategy for future cancer therapies. However, eradicating advanced cancers and tailoring the immune response for complete tumor clearance is an ongoing problem. Despite current advances in cancer research, monotherapy has shown limited efficacy against solid tumors. Therefore, current improvements in virus targeting, genetic modification, enhanced immunogenicity, improved oncolytic properties and combination strategies have a potential to widen the applications of immuno-oncology (IO) in cancer treatment. Here, we summarize the strategy of combinatory therapy with an oncolytic vector to combat melanoma and highlight the need to optimize current practices and improve clinical outcomes.
Highlights
Cancer is one of the three leading causes of death in industrialized countries, along with infectious and cardiovascular diseases
It protects the host from virus-induced tumors by eliminating or suppressing viral infection [7]; second, it promptly resolves inflammations, avoiding tissue exposure to an inflammatory environment, which is conducive to tumorigenesis [7,8]; third, the immune system is capable of specific recognition and disruption of tumor cells on the basis of their expression of molecules which work as antigens [7,9]
There are a number of host risk factors related to the patient: (i) The number of congenital and acquired melanocytic nevi, which linearly correlates with melanoma incidence [21]; (ii) pigmentation characteristics of the patient, which are determined by polymorphisms in MC1R gene—individuals with red hair, light complexion and light eyes exhibit a low pigmentation, and an increased risk for melanoma because of their higher sensitivity to UV exposure; (iii) family history of melanoma [21,27]; and (iv) immunosuppression, which is usually caused by comorbidities [28]
Summary
Cancer is one of the three leading causes of death in industrialized countries, along with infectious and cardiovascular diseases. There are many ways that the IS could carry out its anti-tumor action It protects the host from virus-induced tumors by eliminating or suppressing viral infection [7]; second, it promptly resolves inflammations, avoiding tissue exposure to an inflammatory environment, which is conducive to tumorigenesis [7,8]; third, the immune system is capable of specific recognition and disruption of tumor cells on the basis of their expression of molecules which work as antigens [7,9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
