Use of honokiol in lung cancer therapy: a mini review of its pharmacological mechanism

Honokiol (3',5-di-(2-propenyl)-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol) is a biologically active natural product derived from Magnolia and has been shown to have excellent biological activities. This paper discusses research progress on the use of honokiol in the treatment of lung cancer, as studies have confirmed that honokiol can exert anti-lung-cancer effects through multiple pathways and multiple signaling pathways, such as inhibiting angiogenesis, affecting mitochondrial function and apoptosis, regulating of autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, honokiol combined with other chemotherapy drugs is also a way in which it can be applied.

The emerging role of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer has traditionally been viewed as immunogenically 'cold,' but two immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved in combination with chemotherapy for PD-L1 positive advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and pembrolizumab was also recently approved for early stage TNBC. As the landscape is rapidly evolving, a comprehensive review of checkpoint inhibitors in breast cancer is needed to aid clinicians in selecting appropriate candidates for therapy, and to highlight ongoing promising studies in this area and topics in need of further investigation.

AREA COVERED

This review summarizes the latest evidence from completed and ongoing trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing studies were identified using a search of ClinicalTrials.gov with the term 'breast cancer' along with specific checkpoint inhibitor agents.

EXPERT OPINION

A number of novel combination strategies are under investigation to enhance response and overcome resistance to immunotherapy, with promising preliminary data from checkpoint inhibitors targeting TIGIT, combinations with small molecule inhibitors such as lenvatinib, and injectable agents directly influencing the immune microenvironment. As immunotherapy enters into the curative setting, biomarkers predictive of immunotherapy benefit are needed, as PD-L1 status has not been a helpful discriminator in completed trials in early-stage breast cancer.