Local radiation enhances systemic CAR T cell efficacy by augmenting antigen cross-presentation and T-cell infiltration

Researchers used a mouse model to investigate the effects of low-dose radiation therapy on CART-19 treatment response for patients with relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell lymphoma. They found that two fractions of low-dose radiation therapy in combination with CART-19 therapy enhanced antitumor responses in both irradiated and non-irradiated sites. These findings suggest that radiation therapy may help overcome treatment resistance and improve clinical outcomes for patients with CD19-positive hematologic malignancies.