Date: 3-5 March 2024, Lisbon, Portugal
Course Directors: Udo Gaipl, Eric Deutsch
As a dedicated oncology and radiotherapy resident, I am always seeking to expand my knowledge and to stay at the forefront of cancer treatment innovations. My name is Amil Družić, and I am currently doing my residency at the Oncology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, I am pursuing my PhD, in which I focus on the integration of advanced therapeutic strategies into oncology. This was my third ESTRO course, and I was particularly enthusiastic about its emphasis on immunotherapy—a field that holds immense promise for transforming cancer care.
The ESTRO immunotherapy course in Lisbon offered an enlightening experience and deep insights into the dynamic interplay between radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Here are some of the most compelling aspects of the course and their impact on my clinical practice.
Day 1: Foundations of Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy
The course kicked off with Dr Jamie Honeychurch providing an essential overview of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, which must be leveraged in cancer therapy. Dr Claire Vanpouille-Box introduced the concept of the "6th R" in radiobiology—reactivation of the immune system—which highlights how radiotherapy can enhance immune responses to combat cancer more effectively. Dr Michele Mondini discussed the latest advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and explored their integration with radiotherapy. Professor Udo Gaipl delved into immunological cell death, while Dr Fernanda Herrera offered insights into how radiotherapy doses could be optimised to maximise immune responses.
Day 2: Advanced Strategies in Tumour Microenvironment and Combination Therapies
Dr Mondini highlighted the potential of reprogramming tumour-associated macrophages to fight rather than to support tumours. Dr Vanpouille-Box detailed how DNA damage sensing can activate immune responses and therefore enhance therapy efficacy. Dr Herrera emphasised the importance of precise sequencing in treatment protocols, and Prof Gaipl discussed the critical role of biomarkers in the monitoring and adaptation of treatment strategies. Dr Honeychurch's insights into the microbiome’s role in immunotherapy outcomes opened new avenues for treatment enhancements.
Day 3: Clinical Developments and Future Directions in Immunoradiotherapy
The final day was focused on practical applications and the future of immunoradiotherapy. Dr Rianne Vaes presented an overview of recent trials and ongoing developments in radioimmunotherapy for lung cancer. Prof Eric Deutsch provided practical guidance from clinical trials on the optimisation of therapy combinations, and Dr Gosse Adema discussed the role of advanced technologies such as radiomics in the achievement of precision medicine. The course concluded with a discussion by Prof Deutsch and Prof Gaipl on emerging trends and hoped-for breakthroughs in radioimmunotherapy.
Three Important Takeaways:
- Radiotherapy has the potential to enhance immune responses and to act synergistically with immunotherapy.
- It is important to use biomarkers to personalise treatment plans and to improve patient outcomes.
- The optimisation of dose rates and fractionation schedules has a critical role in the maximisation of the immunological effects of radiotherapy.
Conclusion
The insights that I gained from the ESTRO immunotherapy course will enhance my approach to patient care as |will aim to refine radiotherapy protocols to better support immune responses, to use available biomarkers to guide personalised treatment plans, and to increase the frequency and detail of monitoring to improve treatment adaptation and outcomes.
Based on this transformative experience, I highly recommend the ESTRO immunotherapy course. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the synergy between radiotherapy and immunotherapy, with invaluable insights from leading experts and exposure to cutting-edge research. The course equips medical professionals with practical tools and networking opportunities that are instrumental in fostering professional growth and optimising patient care outcomes.
Attendance at this course is an investment that significantly enriches one's medical expertise and capabilities in oncology. It offers an invaluable experience to every oncology professional.
Amil Družić
Medical doctor, oncology and radiotherapy resident, PHD student
Oncology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Sarajevo
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
amil.druzic@gmail.com