Table 2

Potential immune-enchancing and immune-inhibitory effects of FDA-approved chemotherapy partners for ICIs, as reviewed in12–14 18 54 55

Chemotherapy classAgents approved for use with ICIsMechanisms of potential immune synergy
Alkylating agentsPlatinum-containing agents (eg, carboplatin, cisplatin).
  • Immunogenic cell death.

  • Neoantigen presentation in the TME.

  • Inhibition of suppressive cells.

AntimetabolitesNucleoside analogs (eg, fluoropyrimidines, gemcitabine).
  • Inhibition of suppressive cells.

  • Enhanced DC function.

Microtubule-disrupting agentsTaxanes (eg, paclitaxel).
  • Enhanced DC function.

  • Promotion of Th1 immunity.

Topoisomerase inhibitorsPodophyllotoxins (eg, etoposide), anthracyclines.
  • Immunogenic cell death.

  • Neoantigen presentation in the TME.

  • Enhanced DC function.

  • DC, dendritic cell; Th1, T helper type 1; TME, tumor microenvironment.