Abstract
Gemcitabine has been used as first-line chemotherapy against lung cancer, but many patients experience cancer recurrence. Activation of anti-tumor immunity in vivo has become an important way to prevent recurrence. Anti-tumor immune responses are often dependent upon the immunogenicity of tumors. In our study, we observed that low-dose gemcitabine treatment enhanced the immunogenicity of lung cancer by increasing the exposure of calreticulin, high mobility group box 1, and upregulating expression of NKG2D ligands. Further studies demonstrated that low-dose gemcitabine treatment increased interferon-γ expression and NK-cell activation in mice. Low-dose gemcitabine treatment was sufficient for inhibiting tumor growth with few side effects in vivo. These data suggest that low-dose gemcitabine-induced immunochemotherapy activated antitumor immunity in immunocompetent patients.
Highlights
Lung cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality
Some chemotherapy drugs enhance the immune response by inducing immunogenicity, which can increase immune recognition of tumor cells [23,24,25]
We observed that low-dose gemcitabine treatment increased the exposure of CRT and High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), upregulated expression of NKG2D ligands, activated natural killer (NK) cells, and enhanced antitumor immunity
Summary
Lung cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis. Gemcitabine is a first-line chemotherapy against lung cancer [1, 2]. Gemcitabine can kill cancer cells effectively, many patients suffer from cancer recurrence. Activation of anti-tumor immunity has become an efficacious way to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Recent studies have suggested that cytotoxic chemotherapy has several immune mechanisms [3]. The most efficacious strategy to prevent cancer recurrence may be to mobilize and stimulate the immune system to act against tumor cells
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
