TU-FG-BRC-01: Cancer and the Immune System: The Basics!

There is substantial current interest in the potential of radiation therapy for synergizing with novel immunotherapies to transform irradiated tumor into an immunogenic hub with capacity to ignite a powerful and adaptive longterm anti-cancer response. Interest stems from new insights into fundamental mechanisms underlying interactions between cancer, radiation and the immune system. Radically new immunotherapy approaches have been proposed, which target the immune system, rather than the cancer itself. Promising preliminary results on subsets of patients have led to a surge in research and clinical trials investigating the potential for combining new immunomodulatory agents with radiation therapy. In this symposia, we undertake a basic review of key topics and questions relating to the potential for combining radiation therapy and new immunotherapy approaches, including a focus on opportunities for medical physicists.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Gain insight into approaches to combining immunotherapy and radiation therapy. 2. Review latest clinical trial data investigating radiation and immunotherapy. 3. Consider how radiation therapy can better stimulate immunogenicity. 4. Explore opportunities for medical physicists in radiation and immunotherapy M Oldham has funding support from Immunolioght Llc.