Guidelines about radiotherapy and oncologic systemic treatments: Stop or continue?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Combining radiotherapy with systemic treatments is standard clinical practice.
• Harmonizing standard practices for these combinations is crucial.
• Understanding the opportunities and risks of combined treatments is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To publish the first edition of French guidelines for combining radiotherapy and oncologic systemic treatments.
• To summarize the opportunities and risks associated with these combinations.
• To provide guidance on optimal timing for combining radiotherapy with various systemic therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiobiological principles underlying combined treatments.
• Identification and description of toxic combinations to be avoided.
• Development of guidelines for optimal timing of radiotherapy with chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Main Results:

• The guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of combining radiotherapy with systemic treatments.
• Key radiobiological principles are explained.
• Specific toxic combinations and recommendations for optimal timing are detailed.

Conclusions:

• These guidelines aim to harmonize standard practices in combining radiotherapy with systemic oncologic treatments.
• The information provided helps clinicians navigate the complexities and optimize the use of combined therapies.
• The data are accessible online for broader dissemination and application.