The Immunobiology of Tumor Ablation

Cancer immunotherapy is an emerging modality for the management of prostate cancer. Focal therapies including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and cryotherapy allow for in-situ tumor ablation that can generate a source of tumor antigens that are released in situ from dying tumor cells. The released tumor-specific antigens can be engulfed by antigen presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, to generate a systemic T-cell mediated tumor-specific immune response. Although the use of focal therapies alone may not be sufficient to induce a sustainable immune response, combining these ablative therapies with other immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines, can promote the generation of a sustained immune response. With the significant advancements in the targeting and delivery of ablative therapies, we can now embark on clinical trials to effectively harness the immune system in the fight against prostate cancer.