Checkpoint inhibitors and anti-angiogenic agents: a winning combination

Abstract

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-angiogenic agents is a promising new approach in cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors block the signals that help cancer cells evade the immune system, while anti-angiogenic agents target the blood vessels that supply the tumour with nutrients and oxygen, limiting its growth. Importantly, this combination triggers synergistic effects based on molecular and cellular mechanisms, leading to better response rates and longer progression-free survival than treatment alone. However, these combinations can also lead to increased side effects and require close monitoring.

Fig. 1. The combination of anti-angiogenic therapy and ICIs is a winning approach to treating cancer.

Anti-angiogenic therapy targets the formation of new blood vessels needed for the tumours to grow and spread, while ICIs reinvigorate the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. This combination may win by improving the infiltration of immune cells and the delivery of ICIs to the tumour bed, potentially improving their effectiveness. Several clinical trials are underway to evaluate which patients will benefit most from this approach and how to optimise the promise of this combination. DCs Dendritic cells, TAM tumour-associated macrophages, MDSC myeloid-derived suppressor cells.