Tumor-associated fibrosis impairs the response to immunotherapy

Previously, impaired responses to immunotherapy in cancer had been attributed mainly to inherent tumor characteristics (tumor cell intrinsic factors) such as low immunogenicity, (low) mutational burden, weak host immune system, etc. However, mapping the responses of immunotherapeutic regimes in clinical trials for dif-ferent types of cancer has pointed towards an obvious commonality -that tumors with a rich fibrotic stroma respond poorly or not at all. This has prompted a harder look on tumor cell extrinsic factors such as the sur-rounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and specifically, the fibrotic stroma as a potential enabler of immu-notherapy failure. Indeed, the role of cancer-associated fibrosis in impeding efficacy of immunotherapy is now well-established. In fact, recent studies reveal a complex interconnection between fibrosis and treatment efficacy. Accordingly, in this review we provide a general overview of what a tumor associated fibrotic reaction is and how it interacts with the members of immune system that are frequently seen to be modulated in a failed immunotherapeutic regime. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Previously, impaired responses to immunotherapy in cancer had been attributed mainly to inherent tumor characteristics, but mapping responses in clinical trials revealed a commonality: tumors with a rich fibrotic stroma respond poorly. This prompted a closer look at tumor cell extrinsic factors such as the surrounding tumor microenvironment and the role of cancer-associated fibrosis in immunotherapy failure. Recent studies have established a complex interconnection between fibrosis and treatment efficacy.