Integration of circadian rhythms and immunotherapy for enhanced precision in brain cancer treatment

Matthias Quist, Maas van Os, Linda W. van Laake, Niels Bovenschen, Sandra Crnko*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Circadian rhythms significantly impact (patho)physiological processes, with disruptions linked to neurodegenerative diseases and heightened cancer vulnerability. While immunotherapy has shown promise in treating various cancers, its efficacy in brain malignancies remains limited. This review explores the nexus of circadian rhythms and immunotherapy in brain cancer treatment, emphasising precision through alignment with the body's internal clock. We evaluate circadian regulation of immune responses, including cell localisation and functional phenotype, and discuss how circadian dysregulation affects anti-cancer immunity. Additionally, we analyse and assess the effectiveness of current immunotherapeutic approaches for brain cancer including immune checkpoint blockades, adoptive cellular therapies, and other novel strategies. Future directions, such as chronotherapy and personalised treatment schedules, are proposed to optimise immunotherapy precision against brain cancers. Overall, this review provides an understanding of the often-overlooked role of circadian rhythms in brain cancer and suggests avenues for improving immunotherapeutic outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105395
Number of pages14
JournalEBioMedicine
Volume109
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Adoptive cellular therapy
  • Brain cancer
  • Chronomodulated therapy
  • Circadian rhythms
  • Immune checkpoints
  • Immune system
  • Immunotherapy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Integration of circadian rhythms and immunotherapy for enhanced precision in brain cancer treatment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this