Radiation Therapy in Hematological Malignancies in the Era of Cellular Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past half-century, the role of radiotherapy has been revolutionized, in part, by a shift from intent to directly kill cancer cells to the goal of priming anti-tumor immune responses that attack both irradiated and non-irradiated tumors. Stimulation of anti-tumor immunity depends on the interplay between radiation, the tumor microenvironment, and the host immune system, a burgeoning concept in cancer immunology. While radiotherapy and the immune system have been primarily studied in solid tumors, we are beginning to understand this interplay in hematological malignancies. This Special Issue intends to lead readers through significant recent advances in immunotherapy and adoptive cell therapy, highlighting the best evidence supporting incorporating radiation therapy and immunotherapy into treating hematological malignancies. Evidence shows how radiation therapy ‘converses’ with the immune system to stimulate and enhance anti-tumor immune responses. This pro-immunogenic role of radiotherapy can be combined with monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and other immunostimulatory agents to improve the regression of hematological malignancies. Furthermore, we will discuss how radiotherapy facilitates the effectiveness of cellular immunotherapies by acting as a “bridge” that facilitates CAR T cell engraftment and activity.

Prof. Dr. Bouthaina S. Dabaja
Guest Editor

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• immunotherapy
• cell therapy
• hematological malignancies
• lymphoma
• CAR T cell