Immunologically augmented cancer treatment using modern radiotherapy

Radiation oncology has recently seen tremendous technical advances, resulting in increasing cancer cures. However, malignant neoplasias are systemic diseases and may be lethal even with an excellent tumor local control. Immune therapy has grown to a mature approach in oncology, delivering results impossible only a few years ago. Treatment-limiting mechanisms such as the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment are now to a large extent deciphered, allowing for pharmacological intervention. Interestingly, radiation-based treatment effects have been shown to depend to a large degree on the immune system. Applying the recent advances in radiation therapy in conjunction with immune therapy can be a turning point towards the long-standing aim of curing cancer. Only a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms can guide the implementation of combined therapy modalities. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.