Overview of the synergistic use of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in cancer treatment: current challenges and scopes of improvement

Oncological treatments are changing rapidly due to the advent of several targeted anticancer drugs and regimens. The primary new area of research in oncological medicine is the implementation of a combination of novel therapies and standard care. In this scenario, radioimmunotherapy is one of the mo...

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Published inExpert review of anticancer therapy Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 135 - 145
Main Authors Colciago, Riccardo Ray, Fischetti, Irene, Giandini, Carlotta, La Rocca, Eliana, Rancati T., Tiziana, Rejas Mateo, Alicia, Colombo, Mario Paolo, Lozza, Laura, Chiodoni, Claudia, Jachetti, Elena, De Santis, Maria Carmen
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Taylor & Francis 01.02.2023
Subjects
Abscopal effect
Antineoplastic Agents
bystander effect
cancer
Combined Modality Therapy
Humans
Immunotherapy
Neoplasms - radiotherapy
Radioimmunotherapy
radiotherapy
bystander effect
radiotherapy
cancer
Abscopal effect
immunotherapy
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Summary:Oncological treatments are changing rapidly due to the advent of several targeted anticancer drugs and regimens. The primary new area of research in oncological medicine is the implementation of a combination of novel therapies and standard care. In this scenario, radioimmunotherapy is one of the most promising fields, as proven by the exponential growth of publications in this context during the last decade. This review provides an overview of the synergistic use of radiotherapy and immunotherapy and addresses questions like the importance of this subject, aspects clinicians look for in patients to administer this combined therapy, individuals who would benefit the most from this treatment, how to achieve abscopal effect and when does radio-immunotherapy become standard clinical practice. Answers to these queries generate further issues that need to be addressed and solved. The abscopal and bystander effects are not utopia, rather physiological phenomena that occur in our bodies. Nevertheless, substantial evidence regarding the combination of radioimmunotherapy is lacking. In conclusion, joining forces and finding answers to all these open questions is of paramount importance.
ISSN:1473-7140
1744-8328
DOI:10.1080/14737140.2023.2173175