Mechanism and research progress on radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy

In recent years, the incidence rate of malignant tumors has been ever increased. As the persistent advancement of various therapeutic techniques, the therapeutic plans of cancer have been improved. Radiotherapy takes effect mainly by killing the topical tumor cells by radiation. During radiotherapy, the anti-tumor immune response can be induced or enhanced. Appropriate radiotherapy dose and segmentation model combined with certain immunotherapy plays a more and more significant role in the treatment of tumors. In this article, the underlying mechanisms of radiation-enhanced anti-tumor immune response and the current status and research prospects of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy were reviewed. (authors)