Blocking HIF-1α Following Radiotherapy to Prolong and Enhance the Immune Effects of Radiotherapy: A Hypothesis

Tumor local immune escape is one of the “hallmarks” of cancer leading to poor prognosis. The effects of local radiotherapy on tumors are rapidly emerging as opportunities to remodel and enhance immunity against cancer. However, this immunity remodeling and enhancing are not permanent after local radiotherapy. High expression of HIF-1α following local radiotherapy for tumor cell reoxygenation has been confirmed, and recently accumulating evidence shows the tumor immune suppression effects. These research findings suggest a new direction in the investigation of methods to enhance the efficacy of local radiotherapy. We speculate that by blocking HIF-1α, the immune effects of radiotherapy might be prolonged and enhanced.