Title:Emerging Insight into MAPK Inhibitors and Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer
VOLUME: 24 ISSUE: 14
Author(s):Massimo Pancione*, Guido Giordano, Pietro Parcesepe, Luigi Cerulo, Luigi Coppola, Anais Del Curatolo, Fabiana Conciatori, Michele Milella and Almudena Porras
Affiliation:Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Via Port'Arsa, 1182100 Benevento, CRO Aviano National Cancer Center, Aviano, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health – Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 31134 Verona, Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Medical Oncology and Anatomic Pathology Unit, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Division of Medical Oncology A, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Division of Medical Oncology A, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Division of Medical Oncology A, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid
Keywords:MAPKs, colorectal cancer, immune resistance, immune check point inhibitors, immunotherapy, ERKs,
p38 MAPKs.
Abstract:Our understanding of the genetic and non-genetic molecular alterations associated
with colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and therapy resistance has markedly expanded in
the recent years. In addition to their effects on tumor biology, targeted therapies can have effects
on host immune responses. However, the mechanisms by which immune cells organize
tumor microenvironments to regulate T-cell activity need to be comprehensively defined.
There is good evidence in the literature that alterations in different members of the MAPK
superfamily (mainly ERKs and p38 MAPKs) modify the inflammatory response and antitumor
immunity, enhancing metastatic features of the tumors. In addition, a plethora of alterations
that emerge at relapse often converge on the activation of MAPKs, particularly, ERKs,
which act in concert with other oncogenic signals to modulate cellular homeostasis and
clonal evolution during targeted therapies. Herein, we discuss how this knowledge can be
translated into drug development strategies aimed at increasing tumor antigenicity and antitumor
immune responses. Insights from these studies could provide a framework for considering
additional combinations of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for the treatment of
CRC.
