The precise mechanism of action by which BCG acts in bladder cancer therapy is unclear. BCG induces a non-specific enhancement of the biological function of innate immune cells, creating an immunological memory known as trained immunity. In this Perspective, the authors propose that trained immunity could be an important mechanism mediating BCG immunotherapy and could contribute to a personalized approach to BCG therapy in patients with bladder cancer.
- Jelmer H. van Puffelen
- Samuel T. Keating
- Sita H. Vermeulen