The effect of radiation on the immune response to cancers

In cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, the beneficial effects of radiation can extend beyond direct cytotoxicity to tumor cells. Delivery of localized radiation to tumors often leads to systemic responses at distant sites, a phenomenon known as the abscopal effect which has been attributed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2014-01, Vol.15 (1), p.927-943
Main Authors: Park, Bonggoo, Yee, Cassian, Lee, Kyung-Mi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
abscopal effect
Animals
cell therapy
Humans
Immunity - radiation effects
Lymphocytes - immunology
Lymphocytes - radiation effects
Neoplasms - immunology
Neoplasms - radiotherapy
radiation
recognition
Review
trafficking
Tumor Microenvironment - immunology
Tumor Microenvironment - radiation effects
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Summary:In cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, the beneficial effects of radiation can extend beyond direct cytotoxicity to tumor cells. Delivery of localized radiation to tumors often leads to systemic responses at distant sites, a phenomenon known as the abscopal effect which has been attributed to the induction and enhancement of the endogenous anti-tumor innate and adaptive immune response. The mechanisms surrounding the abscopal effect are diverse and include trafficking of lymphocytes into the tumor microenvironment, enhanced tumor recognition and killing via up-regulation of tumor antigens and antigen presenting machinery and, induction of positive immunomodulatory pathways. Here, we discuss potential mechanisms of radiation-induced enhancement of the anti-tumor response through its effect on the host immune system and explore potential combinational immune-based strategies such as adoptive cellular therapy using ex vivo expanded NK and T cells as a means of delivering a potent effector population in the context of radiation-enhanced anti-tumor immune environment.
ISSN:1422-0067
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms15010927