Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.1, 15-26 http://www.medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 24 immunotherapy maximizes treatment efficacy and reduces the occurrence of immune tolerance and resistance. Additionally, advancements in basic research offer new opportunities to overcome immune tolerance and resistance. Researchers are exploring new treatment targets and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, such as developing new immune cell engineering technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to modify immune cell functions and characteristics. 4.2 Combination of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities Immunotherapy, as an emerging treatment modality, has shown significant success in cancer treatment. However, to further improve its efficacy, immunotherapy often needs to be combined with other treatment modalities. This combined application can synergize in different ways, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness. The combined application of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities is a critical strategy to improve tumor treatment effectiveness. Synergistic effects from different treatment modalities can enhance tumor control and cure rates. However, combined applications require precise understanding of treatment sequences and timings, consideration of patient characteristics and treatment indications, and effective treatment evaluation and monitoring. Exploring further the combined application of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities in future research and clinical practice will aid in developing more effective tumor treatment strategies. A common combination of immunotherapy and other treatment methods is the combination with chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy drugs reduce tumor burden by killing tumor cells and may increase tumor cell immunogenicity. Immunotherapy can further enhance the effects of chemotherapy by activating the immune system to attack tumor cells. Additionally, chemotherapy drugs might reduce immune cell suppression, improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Hence, the combined application of immunotherapy and chemotherapy can enhance treatment effectiveness on multiple levels. Radiation therapy is another common treatment modality combined with immunotherapy. It can directly kill tumor cells, reduce tumor burden, and potentially increase tumor cell immunogenicity. Immunotherapy can further activate the immune system to attack tumor cells, improving the effectiveness of radiation therapy. Additionally, radiation therapy can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy by altering the tumor microenvironment, releasing a range of antigens that activate immune cell attack capabilities. Thus, the combined application of immunotherapy and radiation therapy can enhance treatment effectiveness through various pathways. Targeted therapy can also be combined with immunotherapy. Targeted therapy kills tumor cells by inhibiting specific tumor signaling pathways, potentially affecting tumor cell immune evasion mechanisms. Immunotherapy can further activate the immune system to attack tumor cells, enhancing the effectiveness of targeted therapy. Additionally, targeted therapy might reduce immune cell suppression, further improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Therefore, the combined application of immunotherapy and targeted therapy can enhance treatment effectiveness on multiple levels. Besides the mentioned common combined application methods, immunotherapy can also be combined with other treatment modalities such as hyperthermia, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. These treatment modalities can alter tumor cell immunogenicity, enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Simultaneously, immunotherapy can strengthen the effectiveness of these treatment modalities by activating the immune system. Through combined application, synergistic enhancement of treatment effectiveness can be achieved, improving tumor control and cure rates. 4.3 Prospects and challenges of personalized immunotherapy Personalized immunotherapy is a treatment strategy based on individual patient differences, aiming to provide tailored treatment plans for specific patients. As research and development in tumor immunotherapy continue, the prospects for personalized immunotherapy in cancer treatment are becoming increasingly broad. However, personalized immunotherapy also faces challenges that need to be overcome to realize its potential. Personalized immunotherapy can better meet patient needs. Each patient's immune system and tumor characteristics are unique, so personalized immunotherapy can design treatment plans based on individual differences of patients, providing more precise and effective treatment. Analyzing a patient's genetic variations and immune features can predict
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==