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Lighting up the tumor fire with low-dose irradiation
Fernanda G Herrera1, Pedro Romero2, George Coukos2
1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Radiation Oncology Service, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; Immuno-oncology Service, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) effectively mobilizes the immune system and enhances immunotherapy responses. This approach shows promise for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment and treating
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Current immunotherapy and radiation combinations often use high-dose radiation to few lesions, with limited abscopal effects in patients.
- Abscopal effects, where radiation at one site causes tumor regression at a distant site, are uncommon with current high-dose strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) in combination with immunotherapy.
- To determine if LDRT can act as an immune amplifier and sensitize tumors to immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Studies were conducted in mouse tumor models and human cancer patients.
- Low-dose radiation was delivered to all tumor lesions.
- Immune responses and tumor microenvironment changes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- LDRT delivered to all tumor lesions effectively mobilized both innate and adaptive immunity.
- LDRT synergized with immunotherapy, enhancing treatment responses.
- LDRT reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment, instigating inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) demonstrates potential as an immune amplifier.
- LDRT can sensitize 'cold' tumors to immune checkpoint blockade.
- This approach offers a novel strategy for improving cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
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