[Magnetotherapy in patients with malignant tumors receiving immunotherapy]

To analyze the quality of life in patients receiving immunotherapy and overall response rate in case of additional magnetotherapy.

The study included 3 cohorts of patients (n=48) with various disseminated malignancies (melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer) who received immunotherapy. In the study groups, all patients additionally took courses of rehabilitation based on magnetotherapy. In the control cohorts, patients underwent courses of immunotherapy without additional magnetic therapy. Treatment efficacy was assessed according to iRECIST 1.1 criteria. The Russian version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire was used to study the quality of life. We analyzed adverse events using the CTCAE 5.0 criteria.

In patients with melanoma, the most common response to systemic treatment was stabilization (41.7% in the study group and 30.8% in the control group). The objective response rate was higher in the study group (33.3% vs. 23.1%). There was also significant improvement in the quality of life after treatment in the study group (by 23.5%). In the control group, the indicator worsened by 4.8%. Overall health improved by 12.8% in the study group and 10.3% in the control group. In patients with lung cancer, response to systemic treatment with stabilization was achieved in 33.3% of patients in the study group and 20% of patients in the control group. The objective response rate was 33.3% and 20%, respectively. Analysis of the study group revealed improvement of overall health by 9.6% and overall quality of life by 38.6%. In the control group, overall health improved by 4.8% and quality of life remained the same. In patients with kidney cancer, the objective response rate was 40% and 42.9%, respectively. Disease stabilization was achieved in 40% and 28.6% of patients, respectively. Overall health improved by 16.7% and 6.3%, overall quality of life - by 19% and 9.1%, respectively.

Magnetic therapy during the course of immunotherapy improved the overall quality of life and reduced severity of adverse events. Further study of magnetotherapy as an accompanying rehabilitation technique is required.