Is There a Benefit of Combining Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy in Bladder Cancer?. Issue 6 (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilkins, A.; Ost, P.; Sundahl, N.
• Is Part Of: Clinical oncology. Volume 33:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 407
• Page End: 414
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Anti-PD-1 -- bladder cancer -- immunotherapy -- radiotherapy -- stereotactic body radiotherapy -- urothelial cancer; Oncology -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Radiotherapy; Cancer -- Treatment; Oncology; Medical radiology; Radiotherapy; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2021.02.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0936-6555

Abstract

Abstract: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the management of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer, by leading to long-term response and prolongation of survival in a subset of patients. Unfortunately, only one in five patients with metastatic urothelial cancer responds to anti-programmed death ligand-1 ([AQ1]anti-PD-1) monotherapy. Preclinical and early clinical evidence indicates that radiotherapy not only acts locally, but also exerts systemic anti-tumour effects by modulating the immune system. It is hypothesised that combining checkpoint inhibitors with radiotherapy might enhance an anti-tumour immune response and increase response rates. So far, a handful of early phase clinical trials have been performed seeking to answer this question in urothelial cancer patients. The current review summarises the available preclinical and clinical evidence on radiotherapy/immunotherapy combinations in locally advanced and metastatic bladder cancer and suggests future avenues worthy of exploration.