Role of the Innate Immune System in the Development, Progression, and Therapeutic Response of Bladder Cancer

Effector cells from the innate immune system are capable of cellular killing, recruitment and priming of adaptive cells. As the role of the tumor microenvironment in the control and elimination of cancer continues to be elucidated, interest has grown in understanding how the innate immune system can be harnessed to increase tumor immune infiltration and improve cancer therapeutics. Measurements of cytokines levels in urinary-based assays have shown the relevance of the bidirectional activation pathway between the innate and adaptive immune systems in patients with bladder cancer, underscoring the key role of innate immunity in priming and directing the antitumor response. Patient summary: Systemic and intravesical immunotherapies are currently available for bladder cancer. However, these agents are effective only in a subset of patients. We consider how integration of scientific breakthroughs on innate immunity may open a new window of potential therapeutic targets that could increase the efficacy of available agents.