Neoantigen activation, Protein Translocation and Targeted Drug Delivery in Combination With Radiotherapy

Abstract

Concurrent chemo and radiation therapies are commonly used to treat locally advanced cancer. Despite improved efficacy, failure rates remain high due to healthy organ toxicity caused by chemo-radiotherapy. Recent technological advances such as nanoparticle encapsulation of anticancer agents, locally controlled irradiation and concurrent use of radio- and nano-medicines are providing innovative solutions for overcoming the limitations of systemic and local treatment toxicities. In this mini-review, we discuss the roles of radiotherapy in generating new therapeutic targets and altering the tumor microenvironment, and we propose their future applications in drug delivery in combination with radiotherapy.

Keywords:

• neoantigen activation
• radiation therapy
• radiation triggered drug release

Financial & competing interests disclosures

This work was supported by the Oklahoma State University Kerr Foundation Endowed Chairship and the center for veterinary health sciences seed grant support. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.