The systemic immunostimulatory effects of radiation therapy producing overall tumor control through the abscopal effect

ConclusionTogether, the clinical outcomes from published reports suggest that localized radiation therapy is capable of inducing abscopal effects in a wide variety of malignant tumors. With the advent of novel immunotherapies, the potential for immune activation by radiation defines a novel role for radiation therapy in the treatment of systemic disease. A clinical consideration of the abscopal effects produced by radiation therapy could lead to a revolutionary change in the current management of patients including radiation treatment strategies and immunotherapies for various malignant tumors.
Source: Journal of Radiation Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research