New challenges in the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Immunotherapy has represented one of the main medical revolutions of recent decades, and is currently a consolidated treatment for different types of tumors at different stages and scenarios, and is present in a multitude of clinical trials. One of the diseases in which it is most developed is non-small cell lung cancer. The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in cancer in general and lung cancer in particular currently represents one of the main focuses of basic and clinical research in oncology, due to the synergy of this interaction, which can improve tumor response, resulting in improved survival and disease control. In this review we present the biochemical and molecular basis of the interaction between radiotherapy and immunotherapy. We also present the current clinical status of this interaction in each of the stages and cases of non-small cell lung cancer, with the main results obtained in the different studies both in terms of tumor response and survival as well as toxicity. Finally, we mention the main studies underway and the challenges of this interaction in the coming years, including how these treatments should be combined to achieve the greatest efficacy with the fewest possible side effects (dose, type of radiotherapy and drugs, sequence of treatments).