Evaluating the role of IL-12 based therapies in ovarian cancer: a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION

Immunotherapy, in its entirety, represents a promising field at the forefront of cancer. Treatment with potent cytokine IL-12 has provided science with many challenges, but has also demonstrated promise as therapeutic strategy in ovarian cancer.

AREAS COVERED

This review examines the anti-tumor mechanism of action of IL-12 and the development of IL-12 as a potential therapeutic option in a variety of malignancies. It also reviews the immunogenicity of ovarian cancer and covers preclinical and clinical trials that have contributed to the advancement of IL-12 as a potential therapy for ovarian malignancy. The obstacles that researchers have overcome and currently face regarding the use of IL-12 in clinical ovarian cancer trials are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

IL-12, as a therapeutic modality, is mechanistically logical and shows great promise in preclinical trials. Further clinical studies are warranted to optimize the potential of IL-12 as a treatment strategy for ovarian cancer.