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ABSTRACTIntroductionCancer immunotherapy has seen tremendous strides in the past 15 years, with the introduction of several novel immunotherapeutic agents. Nevertheless, as clinical practice has shown, significant challenges remain with a considerable number of patients responding sub-optimally to available therapeutic options. Research has demonstrated the important immunoregulatory role of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with the potential to either hinder or promote an effective anti-tumor immune response. As such, scientific efforts have focused on investigating novel candidate immunomodulatory agents with the potential to alter the TME toward a more immunopotentiating composition.Areas CoveredHerein, we discuss the novel investigational toll-like receptor 9 agonist tilsotolimod currently undergoing phase II and III clinical trials for advanced refractory cancer, highlighting its mode of action, efficacy, tolerability, and potential future applications in the treatment of cancer. To this effect, we conducted an exhaustive Web of Science and PubMed search to evaluate available research on tilsotolimod as of August 2021.Expert opinionWith encouraging early clinical results demonstrating extensive TME immunomodulation and abscopal effects on distant tumor lesions, tilsotolimod has emerged as a potential candidate immunomodulatory agent with the possibility to augment currently available immunotherapy and provide novel avenues of treatment for patients with advanced refectory cancer.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Prognosis remains dismal for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Genomics and proteomics have depicted heterogeneity in PDAC. Collectively, this information could be useful in improving diagnosis, prognosis, modalities of therapy, treatment responses, deciphering drug resistance and new drug development.Areas covered: We describe major advances in the cellular and molecular subtypes based on next-generation sequencing and their predictive and prognostic value in PDAC patients. We review aberrant genes involving in defined cellular processes in PDAC. Finally, the current state of drug development with novel investigational agents targeting cell fate, cell survival, genomic instability, tumor-stroma, and immune checkpoints are discussed.Expert opinion: Molecular techniques have revealed distinct driver mutations in PDAC. Common genes and cellular processes are dysregulated in the pathogenesis of PDAC. These cellular processes categorized by aberrant pathways include control cell fate, genome maintenance, and cell survival. Dysregulation of the tumor microenvironment promotes an intense fibrosis and immune suppression that play a major role in drug resistance. New information on tumor biology has led to the development of targeted/stromal therapies, immunotherapies or combinations with current chemotherapy in PDAC. New drug development targeting multiple hallmarks of PDAC we hope will positively impact the quality and survival of PDAC patients.

Introduction:Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are associated with significant morbidity due to ineffective hematopoiesis. Given the limited number of drugs approved by the FDA, there is a need for new therapeutic options. Ezatiostat is a novel agent targeting oxidative stress via inhibition of glutathione S-transferase 1.Areas covered:Herein, the authors summarize the standard of care in order to build the framework for therapeutic advancements. The purpose of this paper is to review the body of preclinical and clinical research literature on the investigational agent ezatiostat hydrochloride(TLK199) for the treatment of MDSs. The article includes details of the pathophysiology, pharmacology, toxicity and efficacy of ezatiostat hydrochloride from controlled studies in patients with myelodysplasia.Expert opinion:MDS clonal heterogeneity and clonal architecture complexity has presented a significant technical challenge in developing effective therapies. Ezatiostat offers a unique and specific mechanism to improve the transfusion burden associated with myelodysplasia. Since it is tolerable as a monotherapy, combining ezatiostat with agents such as lenalidomide may have the most potential benefit.