Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Contrast Ultrasound Targeted Treatment of Gliomas in Mice via Drug-Bearing Nanoparticle Delivery and Microvascular Ablation
Published on: December 15, 2010
Treatment-induced ripple effect: a systematic review exploring the abscopal phenomenon in Glioblastoma multiforme
Ali Haider Bangash1,2, Prabhat Poudel1,3, Khalid M Alshuqayfi1,4
1Hhaider5 Research Group, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Purpose:
This systematic review aimed to collate and synthesize the available literature on the abscopal effect in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) neoplasms, focusing on the reported biochemical mechanisms driving the abscopal effect.
Methods:
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Epistemonikos from inception to May 1, 2023. Studies exploring the abscopal effect in GBM were included. The Clinical Relevance Assessment of Animal Preclinical research (RAA) tool was used to assess methodological quality of preclinical studies. Data on preclinical models, biochemical mechanisms, and outcomes were extracted and synthesized systrmatically.
Results:
Out of a total of 7 studies, five preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies utilized various in vivo mouse models, including bilateral tumor models and immunohumanized mice. Key biochemical mechanisms identified included immunogenic cell death, danger-associated molecular pattern release, macrophage activation, and enhanced T cell responses. Combinatorial approaches involving oncolytic virotherapy, nanoparticle-based treatments, radiation therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors showed promise in inducing abscopal effects. Significant tumor growth inhibition and improved survival were reported in treated animals. However, the RAA analysis highlighted concerns regarding research transparency and internal validity across studies.
Conclusions:
This systematic review highlighted the potential of the abscopal effect in GBM, demonstrating its ability to enhance anti-tumor immune responses both locally and systemically. The synergistic effects of combinatorial approaches showed promise for improving outcomes. However, the low methodological quality of existing studies underscored the need for more rigorous preclinical research. Future studies should focus on improving research transparency, exploring the abscopal effect in other primary CNS neoplasms, and translating these findings into clinical trials to assess safety and efficacy in humans.
Insights
The abscopal effect in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) shows promise for enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Combinatorial therapies are effective in preclinical models, but rigorous research is needed for clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options.
- The abscopal effect, a phenomenon where radiation therapy induces systemic anti-tumor immunity, is being investigated for its therapeutic potential.
- Understanding the biochemical mechanisms of the abscopal effect in GBM is crucial for developing novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize literature on the abscopal effect in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
- To identify and analyze the biochemical mechanisms driving the abscopal effect in GBM.
- To assess the potential of combinatorial therapies in inducing abscopal effects for GBM treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Database, and Epistemonikos up to May 2023.
- Inclusion of studies on the abscopal effect in GBM, with methodological quality assessment using the RAA tool.
- Extraction and systematic synthesis of data on preclinical models, biochemical mechanisms, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Five preclinical studies met inclusion criteria, utilizing various mouse models.
- Identified mechanisms include immunogenic cell death, DAMP release, macrophage activation, and enhanced T cell responses.
- Combinatorial therapies (oncolytic virotherapy, nanoparticles, radiation, ICIs) showed significant tumor inhibition and improved survival, despite concerns about study quality.
Conclusions:
- The abscopal effect holds potential for enhancing anti-tumor immunity in GBM.
- Combinatorial approaches demonstrate promise for improved outcomes in preclinical settings.
- Low methodological quality necessitates more rigorous preclinical research and clinical translation.
