Radiotherapy and Immune Cell Interactions

At a Glance: Radiotherapy and immune cell interactions

A suite of preclinical and clinical research is underway to identify and understand how radiotherapy alters local tumour and systemic immunity and the mechanisms involved in radiotherapy induced toxicity. A new multidisciplinary research group has been established with the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation to develop radiotherapy induced inflammatory normal tissue models in both the bowel and lung to explore the mechanisms of these immune changes. A joint PhD project between radiotherapy and immunology focuses on determining the role of chemokines in radiotherapy induced bowel inflammation.

Alongside this, translational research is analysing dynamic patient biopsy and blood samples in the TIMM-RAD study to look for biomarkers of immune response to radiotherapy in a range of tumour types. The study opened in August 2021 at The Christie and currently recruiting ahead of target.

Research Questions: Radiotherapy and immune cell interactions

By working with other researchers across Manchester, our researchers are seeking to answer key questions that will help improve our understanding of how radiotherapy alters local tumour and systemic immunity and the mechanisms involved in radiation induced toxicity. Examples of the research questions being addressed through this theme include:

1. Apply preclinical models to investigate the role of radiation induced immunological changes in gastro-intestinal and lung toxicity. Investigate the role of the glycocalyx in interrupting intestinal mucosal barrier and integrin-mediated TGFβ activation in RT-induced fibrosis.
2. Develop dynamic radiotherapy induced immune tumour biomarkers in tumour and blood that will lead to the individualisation of treatment and improved biological targeting.