Tumor Conditioning Regimens: An Evolution in Cancer Treatment that Relies on Short-Term Sacrifice for Long-Term Gain

Tumor Conditioning Regimens: An Evolution in Cancer Treatment that Relies on Short-Term Sacrifice for Long-Term Gain

In this commentary, the authors discuss a new concept for tumor treatment, which is
based on observations from published studies and clinical practice protocols.

This new treatment regimen, which we coin “Tumor Conditioning Regimens,” abbreviated as TCRs is based on the idea that by conditioning tumors with oxygenation, increasing mutation loads or normalizing vessels, we create a permissive environment for tumor growth in the short-term, which
will eventually in the long run benefit tumor regression.

In our view, such a strategy of making things worse before they get better for tumor treatment has not been articulated in the literature although anecdotal examples exist, which we have highlighted in the commentary. This commentary serves as a discussion starter for the scientific and clinical community as to the pros
and cons of such an approach.

Traditional concepts in cancer treatment, including gynecologic cancers, involve using chemotherapeutic agents to target malignant cell populations, while sparing off-target effects on surrounding normal cells. This approach is based on decades of research focused on
alterations within cells that allow them to become malignant and metastasize.1
Over the last
several years an increased understanding of the role of the tumor microenvironment and the
host immune system in the development of cancer cell resistance to treatment has led to revisiting traditional approaches to treatment.

Treatment now often involves recruiting the host (patient) immune system and surrounding microenvironment to support and enhance the anticancer effects of treatment.

Gynecol Obstet Res Open J. 2017; 4(2): 41-43. doi: 10.17140/GOROJ-4-143