Published online Jan 15, 2021. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i1.1
Peer-review started: August 25, 2020
First decision: November 16, 2020
Revised: December 1, 2020
Accepted: December 16, 2020
Article in press: December 16, 2020
Published online: January 15, 2021
Processing time: 130 Days and 16.3 Hours
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are major components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). MDSCs facilitate the transformation of premalignant cells and play roles in tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, in patients with GI malignancies, MDSCs can lead to the suppression of T cells and natural killer cells. Accordingly, a better understanding of the role and mechanism of action of MDSCs in the TME will aid in the development of novel immune-targeted therapies.
Core Tip: In patients with cancer, the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are presumed to be of prognostic and predictive value. Recent studies have shown that MDSCs appear to be independent prognostic factors in gastrointestinal cancer. In addition, therapeutics that target MDSCs have been shown to enhance anti-tumor immune responses in animal models. Consequently, a better understanding of the role and mechanism of action of MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment may aid in the development of novel immune-targeted therapies.