Anti-Cancer Therapy: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) in Combination with Immunotherapy

Advances in cellular and molecular immunology have provided enormous insights into the nature and consequences of interactions between tumors and immune cells. This knowledge continues to lead to strategies that marshal the immune system to treat established malignancies. The most heralded class of immunooncology drugs are the immune checkpoint inhibitors, which work by blocking the molecules that switch off immune cells, thus increasing tumor immunogenicity. While monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and vaccines have shown promise individually, it is likely that the best strategy to combat cancer will be to utilize a combinatorial approach. Varying combination strategies demonstrate benefit in different patient populations. One such strategy that has received little attention is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in combination with immunotherapy. This editorial briefly discusses the potential for such a strategy.