Optimizing Radiotherapy to Boost Systemic Immune Responses in Breast Cancer: A Critical Review for Breast Radiation Oncologists

Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized the treatment of many types of cancer. Radiation therapy (RT)--particularly when delivered at high doses using newer techniques – may be capable of generating systemic anti-tumor effects when combined with immunotherapy in breast cancer. These systemic effects might be due to the local immune-priming effects of RT resulting in the expansion and circulation of effector immune cells to distant sites. While this concept merit s further exploration, several challenges need to be overcome.

Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics - May 13, 2020 Category: Radiology Authors: Alice Y. Ho, Jean L. Wright, Rachel C. Blitzblau, Robert W. Mutter, Gabriel D. Duda, Larry Norton, Aditya Bardia, Laura Spring, Steven J. Isakoff, Jonathan H. Chen, Clemens Grassberger, Jennifer R. Bellon, Sushil Beriwal, Atif J. Khan, Corey Speers, Saman Tags: Critical Review Source Type: research