Vnitr Lek 2026, 72(3):165-170 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2026.035

Advances in immuno-oncology

Zuzana Ozaniak Střížová

Ústav imunologie 2. LF UK a FN Motol a Homolka, Praha

Immunotherapy has emerged over the past decade as a central modality in the treatment of many malignancies, representing a fundamental shift from conventional therapeutic approaches toward strategies that harness the patient's immune system. It is no longer considered merely an adjunctive option used after the failure of other therapeutic modalities; rather, in selected indications, it constitutes a first-line treatment. A thorough understanding of the tumor microenvironment and tumor immunogenicity is a key factor influencing treatment efficacy. The following sections provide a detailed overview of the main types of immunotherapy, including nonspecific immunostimulation, monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, antibody -drug conjugates, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, which currently form the cornerstone of modern oncological treatment. The text further outlines advanced cellular therapies, such as dendritic cell vaccines, adoptive cell immunotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy, as well as emerging approaches including mRNA vaccines and oncolytic viruses. All these strategies highlight the critical importance of personalized medicine and the use of biomarkers for optimizing therapeutic outcomes, while also addressing the challenges associated with adverse effects and the limited response observed in a subset of patients.

Keywords: checkpoint inhibitors, tumor microenvironment, malignancy, adoptive transfer, oncolytic viruses.

Accepted: April 23, 2026; Published: May 18, 2026  Show citation