Interferon alfa

Cancer remains a significant public health challenge, with mRNA-based cancer vaccines emerging as a promising treatment. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to control tumor growth and destroy cancer cells. Despite challenges like mRNA degradation and delivery issues, advancements in mRNA technology and delivery systems have improved vaccine efficacy. mRNA vaccines offer advantages such as safety, high efficiency, and low production costs. Clinical trials are exploring their potential, though most are in early stages, indicating a long path to clinical relevance.

Cytokines, small proteins facilitating cell communication, play crucial roles in cellular processes and disease pathogenesis, including cancer. Their dysregulation in cancer promotes tumor growth and immune evasion. Therapies targeting cytokines, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant cytokines, aim to counteract these effects. Research focuses on improving cytokine delivery and combining cytokine therapies with existing treatments to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. High-quality cytokines are essential for research and developing immunotherapies.

The Phase II Piranga trial found that xalnesiran plus an immunomodulator significantly reduced hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels, with challenges in durability and efficacy for high HBsAg-level patients. The study highlights the need for tailored approaches targeting adaptive HBV immunity.

15 participants (5 females, 10 males) showed varying degrees of urinary protein reduction post-treatment; 6 with >50% decrease, 9 with <50%. Mean 24-h urinary protein quantification pre-enrollment was 1.15 ± 0.94 g/day. Gastrointestinal symptoms improved in all post-treatment. 24-h urinary protein quantification decreased significantly at 1 and 3 months post-FMT, excluding 2 with acute infections. Specific urinary proteins and most immune cells/cytokines showed no significant changes. B cell counts decreased significantly post-FMT. Safety indicators showed no significant changes except for serum sodium and calcium. No severe adverse events reported. Gut microbiota composition changed post-FMT, with correlations noted between specific bacteria and B cell changes. Intestinal metabolite composition also changed, with correlations found between specific metabolites and B cells, serum calcium, and sodium.

Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with therapies like photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) enhances anti-tumor effects by activating immune responses and targeting tumor microenvironments. PTT and PDT increase tumor immunogenicity and sensitivity to ICIs, showing promise in treating various cancers. However, challenges like light penetration depth and oxygen dependency for PDT limit efficacy. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, focused ultrasound, and cancer vaccines also synergize with ICIs, improving outcomes in preclinical models. Despite promising results, further studies are needed to validate these combinations' safety and efficacy across different tumor types.

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) selectively infect and kill cancer cells, showing significant anti-tumor effects with mild adverse events. As of October 2021, 408 clinical trials on 31 OV products have been conducted, with phase I and II studies making up 80%. OVs like H101, T-VEC, and G47Δ have been approved, demonstrating safety and efficacy in tumor treatment. Challenges include targeting, vector cell selection, and viral diffusion. OVs combined with other therapies enhance anti-tumor effects, indicating a promising future in cancer immunotherapy.

High-dose glucocorticoids remain first-line treatment for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), with immunosuppressants recommended early to control disease and reduce side effects. Combining pharmacological treatment with exercise improves outcomes. Rituximab shows promise for certain autoantibody-positive patients, while other biologics are under investigation. Subgrouping patients may help tailor treatments.

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b, a next-generation mono-pegylated IFN-α-2b, showed promising efficacy and safety in a phase 1/2 study with 51 polycythemia vera patients. Administered every 2 weeks, it achieved a 90% overall response rate without dose-limiting toxicities. The study supports its development in a phase 3 trial.