Targeting Cancer Heterogeneity with Immune Responses Driven by Oncolytic Peptides

Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that high degrees of heterogeneity among malignant cells constitute a considerable obstacle to the success of cancer therapy. This calls for the development of approaches that operate - or enable established treatments to operate - despite such intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH). In this context, oncolytic peptides stand out as promising therapeutic tools based on their ability to drive immunogenic cell death associated with robust anticancer immune responses independently of ITH. We review the main molecular and immunological pathways engaged by oncolytic peptides, and discuss potential approaches to combine these agents with modern immunotherapeutics in support of superior tumor-targeting immunity and efficacy in patients with cancer.

Automated summary

The high heterogeneity among malignant cells poses a significant obstacle to the success of cancer therapy, calling for the development of approaches that can operate despite such intratumoral heterogeneity. Oncolytic peptides, with their ability to induce immunogenic cell death and robust anticancer immune responses independently of intratumoral heterogeneity, show promise as therapeutic tools.