Viral infections and immune modulation in bladder cancer: implications for immunotherapy

Viral infections and immune modulation in bladder cancer: implications for immunotherapy

This review explores the intricate relationship between viral infections and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) efficacy, emphasizing immune modulation mechanisms that may influence treatment outcomes. Since its introduction in 1976, intravesical BCG has been a cornerstone in managing non-muscle invasiv...

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Main Authors: Lívia Bitencourt Pascoal, Mehrsa Jalalizadeh, Gabriela Barbosa, Andrea Nazare Monteiro Rangel da Silva, Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz, Ekaterina Laukhtina, Shahrokh F. Shariat, Alessandra Gambero, Leonardo O. Reis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Open Exploration Publishing Inc. 2025-04-01
Series:Exploration of Targeted Anti-tumor Therapy
Subjects:
virome
senescence
exhaustion
urothelial carcinoma
immune response
Online Access:https://www.explorationpub.com/uploads/Article/A1002311/1002311.pdf
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Summary:This review explores the intricate relationship between viral infections and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) efficacy, emphasizing immune modulation mechanisms that may influence treatment outcomes. Since its introduction in 1976, intravesical BCG has been a cornerstone in managing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). Despite its success, variability in response rates suggests that host immune status, influenced by persistent infections, immunosenescence, and antigenic overload, may play a crucial role in therapeutic effectiveness. Chronic viral infections can modulate T cell responses, leading to immune exhaustion and impaired antitumor immunity. This review discusses the interplay between viral antigenic load, immune dysfunction, and tumor microenvironment remodeling, highlighting their potential impact on immunotherapies. By integrating insights from virome analysis, immune profiling, and tumor characterization, this review proposes personalized strategies to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. A deeper understanding of viral-induced immune dysregulation may improve prognostic assessment, optimize treatment protocols, and reduce healthcare costs associated with bladder cancer. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to mitigate the immunosuppressive effects of chronic infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes in NMIBC management.
ISSN:2692-3114

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