Lighting up the tumor fire with low-dose irradiation

Current efforts combining immunotherapy and radiation have focused on high-dose radiation delivered to few tumor lesions, aiming to generate diffuse abscopal effects; however, these effects are uncommon in patients. Three recent studies in mouse tumor models and human cancer patients show that low-dose radiation (LDRT) delivered to all tumor lesions effectively mobilizes innate and adaptive immunity and synergizes with immunotherapy. These new findings suggest LDRT's potential as an immune amplifier capable of reprogramming the tumor microenvironment, instigating inflammation, and sensitizing 'cold' tumors to immune checkpoint blockade responsiveness.

Automated summary

Recent studies have shown that low-dose radiation therapy effectively activates the immune system and synergizes with immunotherapy, enhancing immune response. These findings help redefine the role of radiation therapy in cancer immunotherapy.