Combinations of radiotherapy with immunotherapy in cervical cancer

Immunotherapy serves as another effective cancer treatment apart from surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy has significantly improved the effective cure rate for patients in several clinical trials. It subverted the traditional view that radiotherapy kills immune cells and has immunosuppressive effects, indicating a synergistic effect of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. In this article, we reviewed and summarized the molecular mechanism of the combined use of radiotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as the clinical treatment and safety of the combination of the two. We describe the rationale for the integration of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with cervical cancer, present safety and efficacy data that support this combination strategy, and highlight unanswered question sand future research needs. Besides, this study can be referenced for clinicians to guide subsequent clinical medicine.

Automated summary

Immunotherapy, combined with radiotherapy, has shown significant improvement in the effective cure rate for cancer patients, challenging the traditional belief that radiotherapy kills immune cells and has immunosuppressive effects. This article reviews and summarizes the molecular mechanism, clinical treatment, and safety of the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. It also highlights the unanswered questions and future research needs, providing reference for clinicians in guiding subsequent clinical medicine.