Recent advances in the use of therapeutic cancer vaccines in genitourinary malignancies

Introduction: Despite a recent increase in US FDA-approved treatments, genitourinary malignancies remain a source of significant morbidity and mortality. One focus of research is the use of therapeutic cancer vaccines in these diseases, and a significant body of clinical trial experience now exists for refining vaccine strategies to enhance antitumor efficacy and develop immune-based combination regimens. Areas covered: In recent years, clinical data from multiple trials in genitourinary malignancies have enhanced our understanding of the potential for immunotherapy in these cancers. There are also emerging clinical strategies that combine cancer vaccines with chemotherapy, radiation, androgen-deprivation therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review is based on a search of relevant literature for data presented over the past 5 years from clinical trials of cancer vaccines in prostate, bladder and renal carcinomas. Expert opinion: In the coming years, clinical trials informed by decades of preclinical data and emerging clinical data will help to define the role of immunotherapy in genitourinary malignancies. Combination strategies that capitalize on the immune properties of standard treatments will bring greater clinical benefits, and immune-based combinations will likely be moved to the neoadjuvant setting, where they may have optimal clinical impact.