Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development
Published on: October 30, 2013
Is There a Benefit of Combining Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy in Bladder Cancer?
A Wilkins1, P Ost2, N Sundahl3
1Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
Abstract:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the management of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer, by leading to long-term response and prolongation of survival in a subset of patients. Unfortunately, only one in five patients with metastatic urothelial cancer responds to anti-programmed death ligand-1 ([AQ1]anti-PD-1) monotherapy. Preclinical and early clinical evidence indicates that radiotherapy not only acts locally, but also exerts systemic anti-tumour effects by modulating the immune system. It is hypothesised that combining checkpoint inhibitors with radiotherapy might enhance an anti-tumour immune response and increase response rates. So far, a handful of early phase clinical trials have been performed seeking to answer this question in urothelial cancer patients. The current review summarises the available preclinical and clinical evidence on radiotherapy/immunotherapy combinations in locally advanced and metastatic bladder cancer and suggests future avenues worthy of exploration.
Insights
Combining radiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors may improve treatment response in metastatic urothelial cancer. This review explores preclinical and clinical evidence for this combination therapy in bladder cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) treatment has been revolutionized by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
- However, only a minority of mUC patients respond to anti-programmed death ligand-1 (anti-PD-1) monotherapy.
- Radiotherapy (RT) exhibits local and systemic anti-tumor effects via immune modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical and clinical evidence for combining RT with immunotherapy in urothelial cancer.
- To explore the potential of this combination to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.
- To suggest future research directions in this field.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of preclinical studies investigating RT/immunotherapy interactions.
- Analysis of early-phase clinical trials combining RT and ICIs in urothelial cancer.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding immune modulation by RT and its synergy with ICIs.
Main Results:
- Preclinical data suggest RT can enhance ICI efficacy through immune system modulation.
- Early clinical trials show promise for RT/ICI combinations in urothelial cancer.
- The combination strategy warrants further investigation to optimize treatment protocols.
Conclusions:
- Combining radiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors holds significant potential for treating urothelial cancer.
- Further research and clinical trials are needed to establish optimal strategies and confirm efficacy.
- This approach may overcome resistance to anti-PD-1 monotherapy and improve survival rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...