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Predicting the Abscopal Effect: Associated Tumor Histologic Subtypes and Biomarkers
Blessie Elizabeth Nelson1, Jacob J Adashek2, Aakash Akshay Sheth3
1Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Molecular Cancer Therapeutics
|June 1, 2023
Summary
Local radiotherapy can trigger an abscopal effect, shrinking distant tumors. Identifying biomarkers and tumor types can help predict which cancer patients benefit from this immune response.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Radiotherapy traditionally treats localized cancer but is increasingly used for metastatic disease.
- The abscopal effect, where local radiation shrinks distant tumors, is gaining attention.
- Mechanisms of the abscopal effect are being elucidated through immuno-prognostic factors.
Approach:
- Reviewing recent findings on the abscopal effect in cancer treatment.
- Identifying immuno-prognostic factors associated with the abscopal effect.
- Highlighting tumor histologic subtypes and biomarkers for patient selection.
Key Points:
- The abscopal effect involves radiation-induced regression of non-irradiated tumors.
- Immuno-prognostic factors like absolute lymphocyte count and NK cells are linked to the abscopal effect.
- Combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy can enhance abscopal responses.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the abscopal effect is crucial for optimizing cancer treatment strategies.
- Identifying predictive biomarkers will enable personalized radiotherapy and immunotherapy approaches.
- This review focuses on recognizing patients likely to benefit from the abscopal effect.
