Exploring the Synergy of Immunotherapy and Conventional Treatments in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Immunotherapy (cancer immunotherapy) is a promising approach to cancer treatment that recognizes and destroys cancer cells by employing immune-related components or by directing the immune system. Between 2017 and 2020, the R&D pipeline for cancer immunotherapies increased by 233%. Immunotherapy can be broadly divided into five broad categories and is suitable for 20 different types of cancer. With the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies, this approach has revolutionized the way of cancer treatment, even treating some patients with advanced cancers, while not all cancer types respond well to this approach. The effectiveness of immunotherapy as a stand-alone treatment is often constrained by tumor heterogeneity, immune evasion, and resistance mechanisms. To address these issues, immunotherapy is being investigated in combination with other traditional treatment modalities such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted drugs as a way to improve treatment outcomes. This review explores the rationale behind these combination therapies and discusses the potential of these combined therapies to improve patient survival and quality of life.