About this Research Topic

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) is a cornerstone in cancer treatment, known for its ability to induce tumor cell death and modulate the immune system by releasing tumor antigens and altering cytokine profiles. This dual action not only targets the tumor directly but also transforms the tumor microenvironment, potentially enhancing systemic immune responses. The concept of RT acting as an "in situ vaccine" has gained traction, particularly with the observation of the abscopal effect, where localized RT can trigger systemic antitumor immunity. Despite these promising insights, the precise mechanisms through which RT influences immune responses remain inadequately understood. Current research is focused on elucidating these interactions to optimize combined treatment strategies, such as integrating RT with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radionuclide drug conjugates (RDCs). However, significant gaps persist in identifying predictive biomarkers for treatment response and toxicity, as well as in refining therapeutic combinations to maximize clinical benefits.

This research topic aims to deepen our understanding of the interplay between radiation therapy and tumor immunology across various cancer types. By compiling diverse studies, we seek to illuminate the clinical implications of RT-induced immune modulation and explore innovative strategies to harness these effects for therapeutic gain. Key objectives include investigating the mechanisms by which RT affects immune cells and the tumor microenvironment, identifying biomarkers predictive of response and toxicity, and developing refined combined therapeutic strategies that incorporate RT, immunotherapy, and RDCs. Through these efforts, we aspire to advance personalized cancer treatments, improve patient outcomes, and broaden the clinical application of RT in oncology.

To gather further insights in the complex interactions between radiation therapy and tumor immunology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanistic inquiries into how RT affects immune cells and the tumor microenvironment.
- Clinical studies exploring the outcomes of combining RT with immunotherapy.
- Investigations into radioimmunotherapy and radionuclide drug conjugates (RDCs) as emerging modalities in cancer treatment.
- Preclinical models unraveling the synergistic effects of RT and immune modulation.
- Integrated strategies, including merging RT with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers for toxicity and efficacy in RT and combined therapies.
- Reviews of current understanding and future trajectories in RT and tumor immunology.
- Perspectives discussing innovative ideas and trend shifts in the field.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Radiation therapy, tumor immunology, tumor microenvironment, clinical applications, biomarkers, radioimmunotherapy, radionuclide drug conjugate (RDC)

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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