Optimizing the target volume to boost the efficacy of radiation-induced immunomodulatory effects / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Radiotherapy is a pivotal method in cancer treatment harbouring immunomodulatory effects. Radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy has been proven to yield promising preliminary results in certain types of tumors. Most studies have concentrated on the dose fractionation of radiotherapy and timing of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. With the development of related studies, attention has been gradually paid to the influence of target volume upon circulating lymphocytes and tumor microenvironment. The interaction between target volume and immunotherapy has been valued. For tumors not suitable for hypofractionated radiotherapy, such as advanced esophageal cancer, conventional fractionated radiotherapy has been adopted. The volume and planning of target volume play a pivotal role in radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy. This article illustrates the feasibility of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy, theory and conception of optimizing target volume.