Potential and unsolved problems of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy combined with radiotherapy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Tumor immunotherapy, particularly targeting programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), is a key cancer treatment.
• Primary resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors limits treatment efficacy in many patients.
• The tumor microenvironment significantly influences the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the synergistic antitumor mechanisms of combining radiotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
• To summarize preclinical and clinical evidence supporting this combination therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing preclinical studies and clinical trials.
• Analysis of the immunological effects of radiation therapy on the tumor microenvironment.
• Evaluation of the combined efficacy of radiotherapy and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents.

Main Results:

• Radiation therapy modulates the tumor microenvironment to enhance antitumor immunity.
• Combined radiotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition demonstrate significant synergistic antitumor effects.
• Evidence from preclinical and clinical trials supports the efficacy of this combined approach.

Conclusions:

• Radiotherapy combined with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors offers a promising strategy to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
• This combination enhances host antitumor immunity and improves patient survival outcomes.
• Further clinical investigation into this synergistic approach is warranted.