Novel Strategies to Transform Breast Cancer From “Cold Tumor” to “Hot Tumor”

Immunotherapy represents the third revolution in the pharmacological treatment of tumors and has demonstrated considerable efficacy in the management of malignant solid tumors, including melanoma and lung cancer. By contrast, breast cancer is frequently categorized as a “cold tumor” because of its limited immunogenicity and immunoreactivity, which hinder research progress and clinical outcomes in immunotherapy. Only a small proportion of patients derive benefits from immunotherapeutic interventions, and the development of drug resistance remains a concern. In this regard, novel strategies should be explored for converting immunologically inert “cold tumors” into immunologically active “hot tumors”, thereby expanding the population that will benefit from breast cancer immunotherapy. This study reviews new strategies to transform breast cancer from “cold tumor” to “hot tumor”. Strategies include enhancing the expression of tumor antigens, promoting immune infiltration, and reversing the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Results also emphasize the importance of comprehensive treatment to enhance systemic immunity.