Cancer research

Radiation therapy

Immunology

Cancer immunotherapy

Immune system

Abscopal effect

Internal medicine

Chemotherapy

Oncology

Medicine

Therapeutic effect

Immunotherapy

Cancer

Cancer Letters

Immunotherapies based on T cells have gained significant success in the treatment of diverse cancers, however, several limitations also exist, including low response, acquired resistance and severe side effects, which lead to unfavorable outcomes. Recent studies found that traditional therapies, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may affect the immune condition in situ and cause abscopal effect, which may improve the response of immunotherapies, enhance the efficiency, and reduce the untoward effect. Here, we review the mechanisms uncovering the cancer immunotherapy and immunogenic effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, aiming to highlight the principles underlying the therapeutic potentials of cancer immunotherapy in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and ultimately guide better designs for future synergistic cancer therapies.

Mechanisms and therapeutic potentials of cancer immunotherapy in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy