LAUSR

Immunotherapies have revolutionized medical oncology following the remarkable and, in some cases, unprecedented outcomes observed in certain groups of patients with cancer. Combination with other therapeutic modalities, including anti-angiogenic agents, is one of the many strategies currently under investigation to improve the response rates and duration of immunotherapies. Such a strategy might seem counterintuitive given that anti-angiogenic agents can increase tumour hypoxia and reduce the number of blood vessels within tumours. Herein, we review the additional effects mediated by drugs targeting VEGF-dependent signalling and other pathways, such as those mediated by angiopoietin 2 or HGF, which might increase the efficacy of immunotherapies. In addition, we discuss the seldom considered possibility that immunotherapies, and immune-checkpoint inhibitors in particular, might increase the efficacy of anti-angiogenic or other types of antivascular therapies and/or promote changes in the tumour vasculature. In short, we propose that interactions between both therapeutic modalities could be considered a 'two-way street'.