This house believes that tumour-specific radiosensitisation is an unachievable radiobiological fantasy
Geoff Higgins,
United Kingdom;
Paul Span,
The Netherlands
The better understanding of tumor biology has led to the development of tumor targeted radiosensitization strategies. The scientific rational underlining these undertakings is based on the differences in how tumor and normal tissues recover from radiotherapy and exploit tumor specific vulnerabilities by combining radiotherapy with specific agents designed to increase radiation response mainly or solely in tumors. Often integrating novel molecular targeted agents, innovative RT combination proposals are manyfold. Despite successful proof of concept studies, applications in the clinic do however lag behind, prompting a critical assessment of the tumor-targeted radiosensitization concept. Opportunities and challenges will be discussed.
Debate
Interdisciplinary