[Cancer, radiotherapy and immune system].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Modern oncology features advanced systemic treatments and increased survival for oligometastatic patients.
• Stereotactic radiotherapy with hypofractionation offers new avenues for localized tumor control.
• Radiobiology now integrates the tumor microenvironment, highlighting the roles of radiation-induced inflammation and the immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual effects of ionizing radiation on the immune system.
• To summarize research on combining radiation therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• To discuss future research perspectives in this rapidly evolving field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical studies and clinical trials.
• Analysis of the interplay between radiation, inflammation, and immune responses.
• Examination of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in conjunction with radiotherapy.

Main Results:

• Radiation therapy can induce both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects.
• Combining radiation with immune checkpoint inhibitors shows potential for abscopal effects.
• Numerous preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the feasibility and promise of this combination.

Conclusions:

• Ionizing radiation has complex, dual effects on the immune system.
• The combination of radiation and immune checkpoint inhibitors is a promising area for cancer treatment.
• Further research is needed to optimize this therapeutic strategy and understand its mechanisms.