Prof Andrea Alimonti speaks to ecancer about the identification of novel treatment modalities that are able to inhibit the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in prostate cancer.

He explains the initial observations that led to this research and the development these therapies, which aim to block the CXCR2 receptor and therefore reduce MDSC recruitment into tumour cells.

Prof Alimonti discusses several novel approaches - including the use of a CXCR2 antagonist with chemotherapy (such as docetaxel) for patients who are not suitable for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

He also describes a few clinical trials - including an ongoing trial which aims to assess the efficacy of a CXCR2 antagonist with enzalutamide in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. And a second trial which will evaluate the efficacy of an IL-23 targeted antibody in combination with ADT.