biostudies-literatureBrouwer TPEuropean Research CouncilFP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions261-278https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7985121biostudies-literatureUnknown44(2)<h4>Background</h4>Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has had a significant impact on the survival of a subset of patients with advanced cancers. It has been particularly effective in immunogenic cancer types that present large numbers of somatic mutations in their genomes. To date, all conventional immunotherapies have failed to produce significant clinical benefits for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, probably due to its poor immunogenic properties, including low numbers of neoantigens and highly immune-suppressive microenvironments.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Herein, we discuss advances that have recently been made in cancer immunotherapy and the potential of this field to deliver effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients. Preclinical investigations, combining different types of therapies, highlight possibilities to enhance anti-tumor immunity and to generate meaningful clinical responses in pancreatic cancer patients. Results from completed and ongoing (pre)clinical trials are discussed.Cellular oncology (Dordrecht)Immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: chasing the light at the end of the tunnel.PMC7985121European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 852832)European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 852832)European Commission H2020 MSCA-ETN grant under proposal number 675743 (project acronym: ISPIC)European Commission H2020 MSCA‐ETN grant under proposal number 675743 (project acronym: ISPIC)de Miranda NFCCBrouwer TPVahrmeijer ALfalseImmunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: chasing the light at the end of the tunnel.<h4>Background</h4>Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has had a significant impact on the survival of a subset of patients with advanced cancers. It has been particularly effective in immunogenic cancer types that present large numbers of somatic mutations in their genomes. To date, all conventional immunotherapies have failed to produce significant clinical benefits for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, probably due to its poor immunogenic properties, including low numbers of neoantigens and highly immune-suppressive microenvironments.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Herein, we discuss advances that have recently been made in cancer immunotherapy and the potential of this field to deliver effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients. Preclinical investigations, combining different types of therapies, highlight possibilities to enhance anti-tumor immunity and to generate meaningful clinical responses in pancreatic cancer patients. Results from completed and ongoing (pre)clinical trials are discussed.2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Apr2024-11-10T00:29:09.181Z2022-02-09T16:03:36.176ZS-EPMC79851213371060410.1007/s13402-021-00587-z