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Epigenetic modification in radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancers
Shih-Kai Hung1,2,3, Moon-Sing Lee1,3, Wen-Yen Chiou1,3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan.
Tzu Chi Medical Journal
|October 18, 2024
Summary
Combining radiotherapy (RT) with immunotherapy (IT), known as radio-IT (RIT), shows promise for cancer treatment. Advanced techniques and epigenetic biomarkers are key to overcoming RIT challenges and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Radiotherapy (RT) is a cornerstone of cancer management.
- The combination of RT with immunotherapy (IT), termed radio-IT (RIT), is an emerging and aggressive area of investigation.
- Significant challenges exist in optimizing RIT, including advanced irradiation techniques, predictive biomarkers, and integration with other therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging challenges and advancements in RIT for modern oncology.
- To evaluate clinical practices, bench research, and multimodality treatments within RIT.
- To highlight the potential of advanced irradiation techniques and epigenetic modifications as predictive/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical practices and bench research in RIT.
- Evaluation of advanced irradiation techniques such as stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, and FLASH-RT.
- Analysis of novel immunotherapy agents and combination therapies, including targeted and thermal therapies.
- Investigation into epigenetic modifications, specifically 6(m)A-based agents, as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Advanced irradiation techniques are being applied for precise tumor targeting in conjunction with IT.
- Novel IT agents and combination therapies (targeted, thermal) are under investigation.
- Epigenetic modifications, such as 6(m)A-based agents, show potential for enhancing RIT efficacy.
- Clinically applicable biomarkers are being developed alongside advanced irradiation techniques.
Conclusions:
- RIT presents significant challenges but offers substantial potential in cancer management.
- Advanced irradiation techniques and epigenetic modifications are crucial for optimizing RIT.
- Further prospective randomized trials are necessary to validate the role of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in RIT.
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