Combining External Beam Radiation and Radionuclide Therapies: Rationale, Radiobiology, Results and Roadblocks. Issue 11 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abbott, E.M.; Falzone, N.; Lenzo, N.; Vallis, K.A.
• Is Part Of: Clinical oncology. Volume 33:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 735
• Page End: 743
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Combination -- dosimetry -- external beam radiotherapy -- molecular radiotherapy; 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.2021.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0936-6555

Abstract

Abstract: The emergence of effective radionuclide therapeutics, such as radium-223 dichloride, [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE and [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA ligands, over the last 10 years is driving a rapid expansion in molecular radiotherapy (MRT) research. Clinical trials that are underway will help to define optimal dosing protocols and identify groups of patients who are likely to benefit from this form of treatment. Clinical investigations are also being conducted to combine new MRT agents with other anticancer drugs, with particular emphasis on DNA repair inhibitors and immunotherapeutics. In this review, the case is presented for combining MRT with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The technical and dosimetric challenges of combining two radiotherapeutic modalities have impeded progress in the past. However, the need for research into the specific radiobiological effects of radionuclide therapy, which has lagged behind that for EBRT, has been recognised. This, together with innovations in imaging technology, MRT dosimetry tools and EBRT hardware, will facilitate the future use of this important combination of treatments.