Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in ovarian cancer

Phillip P. Santoiemma, Daniel J. Powell*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

217 Scopus citations

Abstract

The accumulation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in ovarian cancer is prognostic for increased survival while increases in immunosuppressive regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are associated with poor outcomes. Approaches that bolster tumor-reactive TILs may limit tumor progression. However, identifying tumor-reactive TILs in ovarian cancer has been challenging, though adoptive TIL therapy in patients has been encouraging. Other forms of TIL immunomodulation remain under investigation including Treg depletion, antibody-based checkpoint modification, activation and amplification using dendritic cells, antigen presenting cells or IL-2 cytokine culture, adjuvant cytokine injections, and gene-engineered T-cells. Many approaches to TIL manipulation inhibit ovarian cancer progression in preclinical or clinical studies as monotherapy. Here, we review the impact of TILs in ovarian cancer and attempts to mobilize TILs to halt tumor progression. We conclude that effective TIL therapy for ovarian cancer is at the brink of translation and optimal TIL activity may require combined methodologies to deliver clinically-relevant treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)807-820
Number of pages14
JournalCancer Biology and Therapy
Volume16
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Keywords

  • Immunosuppression
  • Immunotherapy
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Prognostic factors
  • Regulatory T-cells
  • Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research
  • Pharmacology

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