Immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory marine compounds against cancer

Publication date: Available online 15 February 2020Source: Seminars in Cancer BiologyAuthor(s): Cristina Florean, Mario Dicato, Marc DiederichAbstractThe recent advances in cancer immunotherapy confirm the crucial role of the immune system in cancer progression and treatment. Chronic inflammation and reduced immune surveillance are both features of the tumor microenvironment. Strategies aimed at reverting pro-tumor inflammation and stimulating the antitumor immune components are being actively searched, and the anticancer effects of many candidate drugs have been linked to their ability to modulate the immune system. Marine organisms constitute a rich reservoir of new bioactive molecules; some of them have already been exploited for pharmaceutical use, whereas many others are undergoing clinical or preclinical investigations for the treatment of different diseases, including cancer. In this review, we will discuss the immune-modulatory properties of marine compounds for their potential use in cancer prevention and treatment and as possible tools in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
Source: Seminars in Cancer Biology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research