Targeting cell division protein CDK2 could boost immunotherapy response across a wide range of cancers
A study from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute indicates that CDK2 inhibitors, when combined with immunotherapy, can effectively treat a broader range of cancers than previously thought. The research suggests this combination can overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal and breast cancers.
Why it matters
This discovery could significantly expand the efficacy of existing cancer treatments and improve patient outcomes for hard-to-treat tumors.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Graphical abstract. Credit: Molecular Cell (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2026.08.007 New research from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists suggests that cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitors, which are currently being tested as treatments that slow the growth of a narrow range of cancers, could potentially be more broadly applicable to a wide range of cancers when combined with immunotherapy.
According to the study, a combination of a CDK2 inhibitor plus an immune checkpoint inhibitor resulted in eradication of colorectal and breast cancers in animal models. Based on this research, the Dana-Farber team plans to test the concept in a clinical trial.
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