For long, high dose ionizing radiation was considered as a net immune suppressing agent, as shown, among others, by the exquisite radiosensitivity of the lymphoid system to radiation-induced cell killing. However, recent advances in radiobiology and immunology have made this picture more complex. For example, the recognition that radiation-induced bystander effects, share common mediators with various immunological signalling processes, suggests that they are at least partly immune mediated. Another milestone was the finding, in the field of onco-immunology, that local tumor irradiation can modulate the immunogenicity of tumor cells and the anti-tumor immune responsiveness both locally, in the tumor microenvironment, and at systemic level. These observations paved the way for studies exploring optimal combinations of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in order to achieve a synergistic effect to eradicate tumors. However, not all interactions between radiation and the immune system are beneficial, as it was recognized that many of radiation-induced late side effects are also of immune and inflammatory nature. Currently perhaps the most studied field of research in radiation biology is focused around the biological effects of low doses, where many of the observed pathophysiological endpoints are due to mechanisms other than direct radiation-induced cell killing and are immune-related. Finally, it must not be forgotten that the interactions between the ionizing radiations and the immune system are bi-directional, and activation of the immune system also influences the outcome of radiation exposure. This Research Topic brings together 23 articles and aims to give an overview of the complex and very often contradictory nature of the interactions between ionizing radiation and the immune system. Due to its increasing penetrance in the population both through medical diagnostic or environmental sources or during cosmic travel low dose ionizing radiation exposure is becoming a major epidemiological concern world-wide. Several of the articles within the Research Topic specifically address potential long-term health consequences and the underlying mechanisms of low dose radiation exposure. A major intention of the Editors was also to draw the attention of the non-radiobiological scientific community on the fact that ionizing radiation is by far more than purely an immune suppressing agent.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as an important innovative treatment for various primary and metastatic cancers. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the physical/technological, biological, and clinical aspects of SBRT. It will serve as a detailed resource for this rapidly developing treatment modality. The organ sites covered include lung, liver, spine, pancreas, prostate, adrenal, head and neck, and female reproductive tract. Retrospective studies and prospective clinical trials on SBRT for various organ sites from around the world are examined, and toxicities and normal tissue constraints are discussed. This book features unique insights from world-renowned experts in SBRT from North America, Asia, and Europe. It will be necessary reading for radiation oncologists, radiation oncology residents and fellows, medical physicists, medical physics residents, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and cancer scientists.

This book overviews cancer immunity from broad scientific fields, based on the concept that cancer is a sort of by-product of infection, inflammation, and host immune response. The innate and acquired arms of the immune system mainly participate in tumor immune surveillance, and their activation is critically modulated by the situation of the tumor microenvironment. Many types of immune cells join the formation of the microenvironment. In particular, macrophages and dendritic cells enter the tumor mass to be main players in the inflammatory milieu of tumors. After introducing these topics, the book discusses immunotherapy for cancer patients as an outgrowth of this concept of infection and inflammation. With the contributions of leading scientists actively involved in the field of antitumor immunity study, this book encourages readers to understand the mechanism of general cancers based on inflammation and will facilitate prevention and the development of therapeutics for cancer.

At present, less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women. Long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are discouraging girls and women away from science-related fields, and STEM research in particular. Science and gender equality are, however, essential to ensure sustainable development as highlighted by UNESCO. In order to change traditional mindsets, gender equality must be promoted, stereotypes defeated, and girls and women should be encouraged to pursue STEM careers. Therefore, Frontiers in Immunology is proud to offer this platform to promote the work of women scientists, across all fields of Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy.

Cancer treatment is complex and calls for a diverse set of services. Radiation therapy is recognized as an essential tool in the cure and palliation of cancer. Currently, access to radiation treatment is limited in many countries and non-existent in some. This lack of radiation therapy resources exacerbates the burden of disease and underscores the continuing health care disparity among States. Closing this gap represents an essential measure in addressing this global health equity problem. This publication presents a comprehensive overview of the major topics and issues to be taken into consideration when planning a strategy to address this problem, in particular in low and middle income countries. With contributions from leaders in the field, it provides an introduction to the achievements and issues of radiation therapy as a cancer treatment modality around the world. Dedicated chapters focus on the new radiotherapy technologies, proton beams, carbon ion, intraoperative radiotherapy, radiotherapy for children, treatment of HIV-AIDS malignancies, and costing and quality management issues.

Ionizing Radiation and the Immune Response, Volume 376, Part A reviews the latest updates on the immune response induced by ionizing radiations. Sections discuss NK functions in radio-induced immune response, TRT and immune response, Radio-induced immune response and lipid metabolism, Effect of protons and heavy ions on immune response, Effect of flashtherapy and mini beam on immune response, Radio-induced lymphopenia, CT to potentiate radio-induced immune response, Impact of RT on healthy tissues (inflammation), Radio-induced macrophagic response, To use nanoparticles and ionizing radiations to modulate immune response: opinion of the chemist, biologist and clinician, and more. Additional sections touch on the Effect of low dose radiation on radio-induced immune response, Role of Dendritic cells in radiation-induced immune response, Relationship between the tumor microenvironment and the efficacy of the radiotherapy/immunotherapy combination+A23, and Biomarkers of radiation induced response to optimize radio-immunotherapy combination. Covers the latest insights on the biological and physical parameters that modulate radio-induced immune response Provides an accurate review by selected experts of the impact on the immune response of new techniques delivering ionizing radiations Presents valuable information to clinicians to optimize radiotherapy and immunotherapy combinations

Regulatory T Cells in Health and Disease focuses on the mechanism by which T cells become regulatory T cells, the processes which control the number of regulatory T cells in the blood and tissue, and the ways in which regulatory T cell prevent autoimmune disease and interact with infections and cancer. Contains contributions from leading authorities in the field of regulatory T cell biology Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field Explores the processes which control the number of regulatory T cells in the blood and tissue, and the ways in which regulatory T cell prevent autoimmune disease and interact with infections and cancer