Thermal modulation enhances antitumour immunity and improves immunotherapy responses in lung cancer

Lung cancer is characterised by high incidence and mortality and remains a major global health burden. Immunotherapy has advanced the treatment landscape, but its efficacy is often limited. Hyperthermia, a noninvasive treatment, offers unique potential because it not only induces tumour cell death but also modulates the immune microenvironment, enhancing systemic antitumour responses. This review discusses the immunosensitizing effects of hyperthermia in lung cancer, focusing on its ability to activate antigen presentation, enhance T-cell infiltration, and promote a shift from immunosuppressive to immune-activated tumour environments. The synergistic potential of combining hyperthermia with immunotherapy is explored, and preclinical and clinical data suggest enhanced tumour control and improved survival. Challenges in clinical translation, such as optimizing treatment schedules and standardizing parameters, are identified. This review concludes by advocating for the integration of hyperthermia with immunotherapy to improve long-term outcomes in lung cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research and personalized approaches.