Multiple immunotherapy platforms have been investigated for prostate cancer, but sipuleucel-T still remains the sole approved autologous cellular immune product that can be used in men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. While preliminary data for specific checkpoint inhibitors suggest benefit for some patients, leading to durable responses, it has been clear that sipuleucel-T can affect not only the intratumoral milieu but also systemic immune populations. This means that the immune system can respond to sipuleucel-T in such a way that it may also effect an immunomodulatory response to other current and future treatments. It is clear that sipuleucel-T is here to stay; nevertheless, efforts to enhance its efficacy continue. A challenge that continues to be investigated is the question of how and when to use this immune therapy as part of the current continuum of competing approved agents.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.). 2017 Dec 15*** epublish ***
Susan F Slovin