207_Combined course Presentations

Radiotherapy and Immune Response

 Radiation is cytotoxic through the induction of non-repairable, double-stranded DNA breaks.

 It has long been believed that radiation is immunosuppressive. (normal hematopoietic cells and hematologic malignancies appear to be very sensitive to low radiation; release of immunosuppressive factors)

 However, the effects of RT are multifaceted and may serve as an immune stimulus: primary tumor site; abscopal site

Radiotherapy meets Immunology