Epi-immunotherapy for cancers: rationales of epi-drugs in combination with immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials

Over the last two decades, several epi-drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies have received clinical approval for use in certain types of cancer. However, monotherapy with epi-drugs or ICIs has shown limited efficacy in most cancer patients. Epigenetic agents have been shown to regulate the crosstalk between the tumor and host immunity to alleviate immune evasion, suggesting that epi-drugs can potentially synergize with immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the rationales of incorporating epigenetic therapy into immunotherapy, called epi-immunotherapy, and focus on an update of current clinical trials in both hematological and solid malignancies. Furthermore, we outline the future challenges and strategies in the field of cancer epi-immunotherapy.

First-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Objectives:

To evaluate current first-line treatment strategies in advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and to review other promising treatments under investigations.

Materials and methods:

We reviewed all relevant pivotal first-line systemic therapy trials, and studies investigating the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy, metastectomy, and ablative radiotherapy in advanced or metastatic RCC.

Results:

In total we identified 21 relevant studies, investigating both systemic and non-systemic therapies, including treatments under investigations.

Conclusion:

Metastatic RCC (mRCC) is a highly heterogeneous disease that is notoriously difficult to treat, however, the discovery of novel targeted therapies over the past decade have revolutionised its management. The International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) is a prognostic model that is commonly used in both clinical trials and routine clinical care to risk-stratify patients with mRCC, which has helped with therapy selection for mRCC patients over the past decade. However, with an improved understanding of tumour biology and genetics, this has prompted a shift from cytokine therapy to receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and now to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs). Recent promising results from clinical studies with ICI combination treatments have transformed the treatment landscape for the management of intermediate- and poor- risk clear cell RCC, however, further research is still needed for favourable-risk, and non-clear cell patients.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable

From Bench to Bedside: How the Tumor Microenvironment Is Impacting the Future of Immunotherapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for many cancer types. The treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has especially evolved in recent years, from cytokine-based immunotherapies to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although clinical benefit from immunotherapy is limited to a subset of patients, many combination-based approaches have led to improved outcomes. The success of such approaches is a direct result of the tumor immunology knowledge accrued regarding the RCC microenvironment, which, while highly immunogenic, demonstrates many unique characteristics. Ongoing translational work has elucidated some of the mechanisms of response, as well as primary and secondary resistance, to immunotherapy. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the RCC immunophenotype with a specific focus on how preclinical and clinical data are shaping the future of immunotherapy.