Early immune evasion in colorectal cancer: interplay between stem cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Trends in cancer
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Most colorectal cancers (CRCs) are characterized by a low mutational burden and an immune-cold microenvironment, limiting the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. While advanced tumors exhibit diverse immune evasion mechanisms, emerging evidence suggests that aspects of immune escape arise much earlier, within precancerous lesions. In this review, we discuss how early driver mutations and epigenetic alterations contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in CRC. We also highlight the dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells, stromal niche cells, and immune cells driving immune evasion and liver metastasis. A deeper understanding of these early events may guide the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for CRC.

Year of Publication
2025
Journal
Trends in cancer
Volume
11
Issue
9
Pages
850-861
Date Published
09/2025
ISSN
2405-8025
DOI
10.1016/j.trecan.2025.04.016
PubMed ID
40382216
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