Unintended Consequences of Systemic and Ablative Oncologic Therapy in the Abdomen and Pelvis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Human cancers exhibit genetic complexity, often necessitating diverse therapeutic approaches.
• Current oncologic therapies, while advancing, can impact normal tissues, leading to dose modifications or treatment cessation.
• Understanding unintended treatment effects is crucial for managing cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the unintended consequences of systemic and ablative anticancer therapies on abdominal and pelvic imaging.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing these adverse effects for patient management.
• To emphasize the role of radiologists in identifying and reporting treatment-related complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging manifestations of cytotoxic, molecular targeted, and immunologic anticancer agents.
• Analysis of imaging findings related to ablation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
• Discussion of potential adverse effects across various anatomical sites.

Main Results:

• Anticancer therapies can cause major and minor unintended effects in targeted organs, adjacent structures, and distant sites.
• Imaging findings associated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, ablation, and stem cell transplant are presented.
• Diverse adverse effects necessitate careful radiologic interpretation.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists play a vital role in detecting and reporting unintended consequences of anticancer therapies.
• Knowledge of these adverse effects can lead to critical treatment modifications and lifesaving interventions.
• Accurate interpretation of imaging in cancer patients receiving therapy is paramount for optimal care.