Emerging immune checkpoint and its combination therapy in cancer treatment

Abstract

In recent decades, cancer immunotherapy has become a cornerstone of cancer treatment, standing alongside traditional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of cancer immunotherapy, with a particular focus on the critical role of immune checkpoints in cancer treatment. It covers classic immune checkpoints such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, as well as emerging checkpoints such as TIGIT, TIM-3, LAG-3, VISTA, and IDO-1, elucidating their mechanisms and ongoing clinical trials. In addition, the promising areas of combination therapy involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are investigated. In this study, the combined action and synergistic effect of different ICIs such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 were investigated. In addition, it examines how ICIs can be strategically paired with other treatment strategies, including EGFR TKIs, anti-VEGF /VEGFR therapies, radiotherapy, and mRNA-based vaccines. These combinations are designed to enhance anti-tumor responses and overcome drug resistance. In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive overview of cancer immunotherapy, highlighting its critical role in modern oncology. It points to the richness and complexity of immune checkpoints, highlighting their importance, challenges, and the development of combination therapies aimed at harnessing the potential of the immune system to fight cancer.