Turning cold tumors hot: from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have achieved clinical benefit, but most 'immune-cold' solid tumors are not responsive. The diversity of immune evasion mechanisms remains a key obstacle in turning nonresponsive 'cold' tu-mors into responsive 'hot' ones. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms of such transitions and tumor immunotyping can provide significant insights into design-ing effective therapeutic strategies against cancer. Here, we focus on the latest advances regarding local and systemic regulatory mechanisms of immune re-sponses in cold and hot tumors. We also highlight the necessity for tumor immunotyping through the assessment of multiple immunological variables using various diagnostic techniques and biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potential clinical applications of immunophenotyping to turn cold tumors hot, which may further guide combined immunotherapies.

Automated summary

Immune checkpoint blockade therapies have shown clinical benefit, but many immune-cold solid tumors do not respond. Understanding the mechanisms of cold to hot tumor transition and tumor immunotyping can provide insights for effective therapeutic strategies against cancer.