The Role of Epigenetic Drugs in Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract

: Cancer immunotherapy is one of the most important advances in oncology, which has completely changed the treatment of many types of cancer. By using the body's natural immune Defence, treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy have achieved remarkable success in providing lasting responses to some patients. However, there are still significant limitations: many patients show primary or acquired resistance to these. The tumour microenvironment has become a key determinant of treatment response, and its immunosuppressive characteristics have caused major obstacles to effective anti-tumour immunity. Recent studies have clarified the potential of epigenetic drugs (chemically modified drugs that regulate gene expression) in regulating tumour cells and immune components in this microenvironment. These epigenetic regulators can enhance tumor immunogenicity by increasing antigen performance and activating endogenous viral sequences, while reprogramming immune cell function to overcome consumption and inhibition. Clinical evidence increasingly supports the synergistic potential of combining epigenetic drugs with established immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although there are still challenges in toxicity management, patient selection, and program optimization, the strategic integration of epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy is a promising way to expand the group of patients who can benefit from immune-based cancer treatment and overcome the drug resistance mechanism.