Editorial: Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors: mechanisms and strategies in cancer therapy - Takeaways - MDSpire

Editorial: Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors: mechanisms and strategies in cancer therapy

  • By

  • Margherita Piccinelli

  • Elio Gregory Pizzutilo

  • Maria Gemelli

  • Dhifaf Sarhan

  • Stefano Cavalieri

  • May 6, 2026

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  • 1

    Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) enhance antitumor immunity by blocking CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways exploited by tumors.

  • 2

    Resistance to ICIs can be primary or acquired, with 20-40% of patients achieving durable responses, leaving many without benefit.

  • 3

    Tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences immune responses, categorized as 'hot' or 'cold' based on immune infiltration.

  • 4

    Defects in antigen presentation and T-cell exhaustion are key mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy, prompting combination strategies.

  • 5

    Cancer cachexia may alter Fcγ receptor expression, impacting ICI pharmacokinetics and contributing to poorer treatment outcomes.

Original Source(s)

Editorial: Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors: mechanisms and strategies in cancer therapy

  • by Margherita Piccinelli, Elio Gregory Pizzutilo, Maria Gemelli, Dhifaf Sarhan, Stefano Cavalieri

  • May 6, 2026

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