Immunotherapeutics in Combination with Chemotherapy in Clinical Trials

Introduction: In cancer treatment, immunotherapy can be used as an adjuvant therapy in combination with chemotherapy. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of immunotherapeutics used in combination with chemotherapy that are in clinical trials, focusing on their synergy and applications. Method: An in-depth literature search was conducted across various scientific databases, including PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, and Web of Science, using relevant keywords. Both research studies and relevant data from clinical trials were thoroughly analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of the field. Results: The analysis indicated that immunotherapy, when used as an adjunct to established chemotherapy regimens, is more effective than when used as a standalone treatment. Immunotherapeutics enhance the body’s defenses against malignant cells, while chemotherapy directly targets rapidly dividing cancer cells. Moreover, interesting recent findings have suggested that certain chemotherapy agents at low doses selectively inhibit regulatory and suppressor cells, thereby enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer cells. Discussion: The findings further underscore the potential synergy between chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This review delves into the concept of integrating chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which induces cell death, with immunotherapy. Specifically, emphasis is placed on ongoing clinical trials investigating immunotherapeutics in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, offering a glimpse into the future landscape of cancer treatment. Conclusion: Immuno-chemotherapeutic combinations offer an immense opportunity, as demonstrated by numerous clinical trials. In the future, a deeper understanding of their interactions and mechanisms, identifying the optimal combination, and careful assessment of clinical responses are key to successful product development.