The quest for more effective cancer therapies often leads to the exploration of combination treatments that leverage the strengths of multiple agents. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), known for its diverse biological activities, is now being studied in combination with Cisplatin, a cornerstone chemotherapy drug, to enhance anti-cancer efficacy through immune system activation.

Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic, faces limitations due to resistance and its inability to consistently induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD is a form of cell death that alerts the immune system to the presence of cancer cells, thereby stimulating an anti-tumor immune response. Research suggests that DHA can act as an ICD inducer or potentiator, potentially restoring Cisplatin's immunogenicity.

Studies indicate that the combination of DHA and Cisplatin (C+D) can enhance the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying cancer cells. DAMPs are signals that alert the immune system, promoting phagocytosis by antigen-presenting cells like dendritic cells and activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This process is crucial for effective anti-cancer immunosurveillance.

The synergy between DHA and Cisplatin is believed to be mediated, in part, through the activation of the PERK/eIF2α pathway, which is involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress. This activation leads to the exposure of calreticulin (CALR) on cancer cell surfaces, a key event in ICD. By facilitating this pathway, DHA helps make cancer cells more visible and recognizable to the immune system.

The combined C+D therapy has shown promising results in preclinical models, demonstrating significant tumor growth inhibition and improved survival rates. Crucially, these benefits are often dependent on an intact immune system, underscoring the role of dihydroartemisinin cancer treatment in conjunction with immune activation.

The exploration of DHA as an adjunct to Cisplatin represents a significant step forward in developing more effective cancer immunotherapies. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is keenly interested in the advancements in this area, recognizing the potential of such synergistic approaches. Further research and clinical trials are vital to translate these promising findings into clinical practice, offering new hope for patients battling cancer.