A Novel Application Paradigm for Tumor In-Situ Vaccination: Synergistic Effects of TLR7/8 Agonists and Radiotherapy
10.3971/j.issn.1000-8578.2025.25.0241
- VernacularTitle:TLR7/8激动剂联合放疗：肿瘤原位疫苗应用新模式探索
- Author:
Xiaolin YOU
1
;
Limei MIN
1
;
Baorui LIU
1
;
Rutian LI
1
Author Information
1. Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
- Publication Type:SPECIALFEATURE
- Keywords:
Tumor;
TLR agonist;
Intratumoral injection;
Radiotherapy;
Abscopal effect
- From:
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment
2025;52(7):533-538
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Tumor immunotherapy has achieved breakthroughs in the treatment of malignant tumors by activating the host immune system’s antitumor response mechanism. Among various strategies, Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have garnered substantial attention due to their unique immunomodulatory capabilities. This work reviews the research progress on the combination of TLR agonists with radiotherapy in tumor immunotherapy, focusing on the clinical translational potential of intratumoral injection strategies. Clinical studies have shown that the in-situ injection of TLR agonists in combination with radiotherapy can effectively suppress primary and metastatic lesions by inducing immunogenic cell death, releasing tumor antigens, activating local immune responses, and triggering abscopal effects. Moreover, novel extended-release formulations and “endogenous vaccine” designs further enhance the safety and durability of treatment. Despite several challenges such as tumor microenvironment suppression and dose optimization, TLR agonists hold promise for the treatment of “cold” tumors lacking innate immunity through combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors, nanodelivery technologies, and precise biomarker screening.
