Exploring the rationale for combining ionizing radiation and immune checkpoint blockade in head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ability of radiation to enhance antitumor immunity under specific experimental conditions is well established. Here, we explore preclinical data and the rationale for combining different radiation doses and fractions with immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy.

Methods

We conducted a review of the literature.

Results

The ability of high-dose or hypofractionated radiation to enhance antitumor immunity resulting in additive or synergistic tumor control when combined with checkpoint blockade is well studied. Whether low-dose daily fractionated radiation does the same is less well studied and available data suggests it may be immunosuppressive.

Conclusion

Although daily fractionated radiation is well established as the standard of care for the trea

SUBMITTER: Morisada M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5980679 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature