Barriers and Opportunities in Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy

Authors

Yixin Ju
Dongzhi Xu
Miao-Miao Liao
Yutong Sun
Wen-Dai Bao
Fan Yao
Li Ma

Publication Date

9-12-2024

Journal

NPJ Precision Oncology

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a fatal clinical challenge characterized by a dismal 5-year overall survival rate, primarily due to the lack of early diagnosis and limited therapeutic efficacy. Immunotherapy, a proven success in multiple cancers, has yet to demonstrate significant benefits in PDAC. Recent studies have revealed the immunosuppressive characteristics of the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cells with suppressive properties, desmoplastic stroma, microbiome influences, and PDAC-specific signaling pathways. In this article, we review recent advances in understanding the immunosuppressive TME of PDAC, TME differences among various mouse models of pancreatic cancer, and the mechanisms underlying resistance to immunotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting cancer cell-intrinsic pathways and TME components to sensitize PDAC to immune therapies, providing insights into strategies and future perspectives to break through the barriers in improving pancreatic cancer treatment.

Keywords

Cancer immunotherapy, Cancer

Comments

PMID: 39266715