Realizing the Potential of Immuno-Oncology Research
Depth of evidence for the immune response to cancer
Both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies are able to induce an immune response that can regulate their initial growth. This ability is known as tumor immunogenicity.1,2
Robust evidence supports the body’s ability to recognize and attack cancer through immune cell presentation, infiltration, and elimination.
Presentation
Traditionally, immunogenic tumors, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), are defined by a high rate of mutations.3 These mutations create tumor antigens that can be recognized by the immune system, activating an antitumor immune response.4
Infiltration
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells are present in the tumor microenvironment.5-17 Their presence demonstrates their capacity to identify and migrate to tumor cells.18
elimination
Early in their development, some tumors display evidence of spontaneous regression. This suggests that the immune system is able to recognize and eliminate some tumor cells.19
This supports the concept that the body’s own immune system has the ability to induce an antitumor response against cancer.20 Research is actively underway as evidence suggests that targeting immune pathways may help in eliminating tumor cells.
Broad potential of Immuno-Oncology research
The immune system’s ability to detect and destroy tumor cells is the foundation of Immuno-Oncology research. Evidence for tumor immunogenicity across a wide range of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies provides the rationale for the breadth of Immuno-Oncology research across tumor types.21
| Evidence for Tumor Immunogenicity | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tumor Type |
PRESENTATION Presence of somatic mutations |
INFILTRATION Evidence of immune-cell infiltration |
ELIMINATION Evidence of spontaneous regression |
| Bladder3,15 |  |
|
|
| Breast17,22 | |
|
|
| Colorectal16 | |
|
|
| Gastric/Esophageal8,23 | |
|
|
| Glioblastoma4,6 | |
|
|
| Head & neck9,24 | |
|
|
| Hepatocellular13 | |
|
|
| Lung3,8 | |
|
|
| Melanoma3,8,19 | |
|
|
| Ovarian12,25 | |
|
|
| Pancreatic16 | |
|
|
| Prostate10,26 | |
|
|
| Renal3,11 | |
|
|
| Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma5,27 | |
|
|
| Hodgkin Lymphoma14,28 | |
|
|
| Leukemia29 | |
 |
|
| Multiple Myeloma7,30 | |
|
|
Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to investigate the expanding field of Immuno-Oncology research, driven by the many patients with advanced cancer who await the offer of renewed hope and the potential of a longer life.
References
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