Toll-like receptor-agonists in the treatment of skin cancer: history, current developments and future prospects.

Abstract

This review will briefly cover some important aspects of skin structure and function before touching upon fundamental principles of neoplastic cell growth in the skin and some of the important molecular pathways involved. After presenting evidence for a role of the immune system in shaping the development of skin cancer, concepts for tumor immunotherapy with TLR-agonists are introduced from a historical point of view. Subsequently, the use of synthetic DNA, synthetic RNA and synthetic small immunostimulatory molecules for immunotherapy of early forms of epithelial carcinoma (actinic keratoses) and melanoma (lentigo maligna), as well as for advanced metastatic melanoma, is comprehensively presented. Finally, current developments and future prospects for immunotherapy of occult or unresectable melanoma metastastases, the most important clinical problem today, are discussed.

• Authors: Joerg Wenzel, Damia Tormo, Thomas Tüting
• Journal: Handbook of experimental pharmacology (Handb Exp Pharmacol) Issue 183 Pg. 201-20 ( 2008) ISSN: 0171-2004 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 18071661 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Adjuvants, Immunologic
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Oligonucleotides
• Toll-Like Receptors
• RNA
• DNA

Topics

• Adjuvants, Immunologic (therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• DNA (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Immunotherapy
• Oligonucleotides (therapeutic use)
• RNA (therapeutic use)
• Skin (cytology, growth & development)
• Skin Neoplasms (drug therapy, immunology)
• Skin Physiological Phenomena
• Toll-Like Receptors (agonists, immunology)