Biology in Practice: Harnessing the Curative Potential of the Immune System in Lymphoid Cancers
Authors: Tomohiro Aoki, Kerry J. Savage, Christian Steidl
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2021)

Article Tools REVIEW ARTICLES Immunotherapy for Hematologic Malignancies Article Tools OPTIONS & TOOLS Export Citation Track Citation Add To Favorites Rights & Permissions COMPANION ARTICLES No companion articles ARTICLE CITATION DOI: 10.1200/JCO.20.01761 Journal of Clinical Oncology - published online before print January 12, 2021 PMID: 33434057 Biology in Practice: Harnessing the Curative Potential of the Immune System in Lymphoid Cancers Tomohiro Aoki, MD, PhD1,2xTomohiro AokiSearch for articles by this author; Kerry J. Savage, MD1,3xKerry J. SavageSearch for articles by this author; and Christian Steidl, MD1,2xChristian SteidlSearch for articles by this author Show More 1Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, British Columbia Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada2Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada3Department of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.20.01761 First Page Full Text PDF Figures and Tables © 2021 by American Society of Clinical OncologyCONTEXTKey ObjectiveThe emergence of novel drugs in the immunotherapy field warrants an update on the most recent developments in the understanding of immune system biology. In this review, we describe the fundamental biologic concepts underlying the mechanisms of action of various immunotherapeutic approaches and their translation into improved outcomes in lymphomas.Knowledge GeneratedCheckpoint inhibitors (CPI) have revolutionized the treatment paradigm in lymphomas. The most recent biology studies highlight antigen presentation and regulation of major histocompatibility complex expression as important biomarkers for CPI. Moreover, the multitude of cellular interactions between lymphoma cells and T cells and between macrophages and NK cells in the tumor microenvironment illustrates the range of potential immunotherapeutic targets. Finally, cellular immunotherapies have demonstrated durable responses in relapsed/refractory lymphomas, potentially changing the disease's natural history.RelevanceA deep understanding of immune system biology will guide biomarker development, refine patient selection, and provide key insights into the development of combination immunotherapeutic approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes.SUPPORTSupported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (New Investigator Award 289123 to C.S. and a fellowship to T.A.), the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (Career Investigator Award 5120 to C.S.), and the British Columbia Cancer Foundation (C.S.).AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONSConception and design: Tomohiro Aoki, Christian SteidlCollection and assembly of data: Tomohiro AokiData analysis and interpretation: Tomohiro Aoki, Kerry J. SavageManuscript writing: All authorsFinal approval of manuscript: All authorsAccountable for all aspects of the work: All authorsAUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTERESTBiology in Practice: Harnessing the Curative Potential of the Immune System in Lymphoid CancersThe following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated unless otherwise noted. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/authors/author-center.Open Payments is a public database containing information reported by companies about payments made to US-licensed physicians (Open Payments).Kerry J. SavageHonoraria: Seattle Genetics, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, AbbVie, Gilead, AstraZenecaConsulting or Advisory Role: Seattle Genetics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, Servier, AbbVie, Gilead, AstraZenecaResearch Funding: Roche (Inst)Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Seattle GeneticsChristian SteidlConsulting or Advisory Role: Seattle Genetics, Roche, Bayer, Curis, AbbVieResearch Funding: Tioma Therapeutics (Inst), Bristol Myers Squibb (Inst), Trillium Therapeutics (Inst)Patents, Royalties, Other Intellectual Property: Holder of a patent "Method for Determining Lymphoma Type" using the Nanostring platformExpert Testimony: BayerNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.