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Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy Combinations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Promising Future?
1Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Abstract:
The goal of re-programming the host immune system to target malignancy with durable anti-tumour clinical responses has been speculated for decades. In the last decade such speculation has been transformed into reality with unprecedented and durable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors seen in solid tumours. This mini-review considers the mechanism of action of immune modulating agents and the potential for combination with radiotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Insights
Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer, is now a reality. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy combinations show promise for durable anti-tumour responses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Reprogramming the host immune system to target malignancy has been a long-standing goal in cancer research.
- Recent advancements have seen immune checkpoint inhibitors achieve unprecedented durable responses in solid tumours.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanism of action of immune modulating agents.
- To explore the potential of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Analysis of combination therapy potential with radiotherapy.
Main Results:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated significant efficacy in solid tumours.
- Combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy presents a promising strategy for non-small cell lung cancer.
Conclusions:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors have translated decades of speculation into clinical reality.
- Combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy offers a potential new avenue for treating non-small cell lung cancer.
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