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The abscopal effect in metastatic lung cancer: a retrospective analysis of combined radiotherapy and immunotherapy

delete2025-09-26
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OA
AI
D
David Alexander Ziegler *
M
Markus Ambold
M
Markus Schirmer
L
Leif H. Dröge
S
Sonia Ziegler
B
Benedikt Kieslich
L
Laura Anna Fischer
S
Sandra Donath
J
Jona Bensberg
M
Martin Leu
M
Manuel Guhlich
L
Lisa Antonia von Diest
F
Friederike Braulke
A
Alexander von Hammerstein‐Equord
S
Stefan Andreas
S
Stefan Rieken
A
Achim Rittmeyer
R
Rami A. El Shafie
DOI:10.1007/s10585-025-10375-wdelete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The abscopal effect (AbE) refers to the regression of non-irradiated tumors following localized radiotherapy (RT), suggesting a systemic immune-mediated response. The combination of RT with immunotherapy (IO) has been proposed to enhance the AbE by overcoming RT-induced immunosuppressive mechanisms, but robust evidence, specifically in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is lacking. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the AbE and its association with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in metastatic lung cancer patients receiving RT and IO. We analyzed consecutive metastatic lung cancer patients who received IO at a certified lung cancer center in Germany between 2009 and 2021. Inclusion required RT to at least one lesion and at least one measurable non-irradiated lesion. The AbE was defined as radiological regression of a non-irradiated lesion following RT. PFS and OS were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regression models. Factors influencing survival, such as RT site selection and IO duration, were assessed in univariable and multivariable analyses. A total of 72 patients were included. The AbE was observed in 9.3% (n = 7). While the AbE was significantly associated with prolonged PFS (HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19–0.92, p  = 0.03), it did not significantly impact OS (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.30–1.64, p  = 0.41). In contrast, RT to the primary tumor (HR = 0.16, p = 0.004) and longer IO duration (HR = 0.83, p = 0.001) were strong predictors of improved OS. While the AbE remains an intriguing phenomenon, its occurrence was rare and not significantly associated with OS. Strategic RT site selection and optimized treatment sequencing were more strongly linked to improved survival outcomes, highlighting the need for refined radioimmunotherapy strategies.
Keywords:
Abscopal effect
Lung cancer
Immunotherapy
NSCLC
SCLC
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Journal

C
Clinical and Experimental Metastasis
IF:
3.2
Papers:
2.4K
Citations:
3.4K

Organization

D
Department of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery
Scholars:
4
Papers: 4
Citations: 0
D
Department of Thoracic Oncology
Scholars:
110
Papers: 50
Citations: 1
G
göttingen comprehensive cancer center (g-ccc)
Scholars:
2
Papers: 2
Citations: 0
D
department of radiotherapy and radiation oncology
Scholars:
90
Papers: 28
Citations: 0
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