Rationale for the combination of QS RT & immunotherapy
HNSCC, tumor, clonogenic cell death
DNA DAMAGE, TUMOR
The mechanism of conventionally fractionated (1.8–2 Gy per fraction) RT is to induce clonogenic cell death in target cells by generating irreparable DNA damage. This is achieved indirectly through the generation of radical species such as reactive oxygen species and directly by inducing DNA damage [Immune checkpoint inhibition has been studied in combination with RT in preclinical models with the goal of increasing ICI efficacy through RT-mediated escalation of tumor immunogenicity [The combination of ICI and RT was safe for patients with intermediate- or high-risk HNSCC in preliminary studies [No clear clinical evidence exists to support the timing of ICI combined with RT. In a mouse model, a synergistic effect was described when RT was given in the days prior to ICI or on the same day [