Interaction between Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

We have seen major advances in cancer treatment through the use of immunotherapy and molecularly targeted therapy, and treatment regimens combining these strategies are now being tested in clinical trials across a range of cancer types. The initial rationale for this was empiric-hoping to complement the high response rates generally observed with molecularly targeted therapy with more durable responses seen with immunotherapy. However, there is now strong scientific evidence to support these combinations, as molecularly targeted therapy may induce favorable changes in the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby facilitating enhanced responses to immunotherapy. Nonetheless, nuances exist in such approaches and will be discussed herein. Ultimately, optimal combination strategies with targeted therapy and immunotherapy rely on a deep understanding of the mechanisms of response and resistance to these treatment modalities in isolation as well as in combination.