The Combined Use of SBRT and Immunotherapy-a Literature Review.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review all recent and relevant data regarding the combined use of immunotherapy (particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors) and radiotherapy. The use of radiotherapy, specifically stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and immunotherapy may be synergistic in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There have been many preclinical and clinical studies that have shown that the combination of SBRT and immunotherapy is both safe and effective. In many cases, the benefits are greater than either SBRT or immunotherapy alone. Several ongoing trials are testing the combination of SBRT and immunotherapy for the treatment of all stages of NSCLC. The combined use of SBRT and immunotherapy is a promising new development. The techniques may synergistically work better than either alone.