Treatment from within: Ductal Carcinoma as an Opportunity to Harness the Immune System

AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is an increasingly common diagnosis and already accounts for ~20% of screen-detected breast cancers. A subset of patients with DCIS will experience disease recurrence and some will die from breast cancer. Tailored strategies for treatment are lacking at this time. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is a tumor associated antigen that is shown to correlate with poorer outcomes among patients with early breast cancer, including DCIS. Significant interactions between the humoral and cellular branches of the immune system were observed in tumorigenesis of HER2-expressing lesions. These can be leveraged through administration vaccines to improve outcomes among patients with HER2+ DCIS.Recent FindingsPre-clinical and clinical data support that immune response supported not only by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells but also CD4+ helper T cells can lead to antitumor activity in DCIS. These early studies have demonstrated prolonged, broad, activation of the immune system, and with a favorable toxicity profile.SummaryAs nuances in our understanding of immune responses to early breast cancer begin to unveil, there is growing momentum in the development of preventative strategies. Clinical trials assessing the efficacy of vaccines for the treatment of DCIS are forthcoming.
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research