hypofractionated radiotherapy + chemotherapy + immune checkpoint inhibitors

This is a combination therapy regimen that integrates three distinct modalities for cancer treatment: - **Hypofractionated radiotherapy** delivers higher doses of radiation per session over a shorter overall treatment period compared to conventional fractionation. This approach aims to maintain or improve tumor control while reducing the number of hospital visits and potentially minimizing side effects[1][3][4]. - **Chemotherapy** involves the use of cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, often administered concurrently with radiotherapy (chemoradiation) to enhance local tumor control and reduce the risk of distant metastases[6][8][10]. - **Immune checkpoint inhibitors** are immunotherapeutic agents (such as anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-CTLA-4 antibodies) that block inhibitory pathways in T cells, thereby enhancing the body's immune response against cancer. The rationale for combining these therapies is based on their complementary mechanisms: - Chemoradiation can sensitize tumors and modulate the tumor microenvironment. - Immune checkpoint inhibitors can further boost antitumor immunity by overcoming adaptive resistance mechanisms induced by both chemotherapy and radiation. This combination is under investigation in various solid tumors (e.g., lung, rectal, head & neck cancers), aiming for improved local control and survival outcomes compared to standard treatments. The specific agents used in each component may vary depending on disease type and protocol.

Other names

hypofractionated chemoradiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibition