Abscopal Effect After SIRT: It Exists, but How Could We Use It?

Excerpt

In this volume of CVIR, Powerski et al. present an interesting article studying the incidence of the abscopal effect (AE) following radioembolization (also known as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy or SIRT) of liver metastases [1]. The AE is a rare occurrence following external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). It has been described since the 1950s as the shrinkage of tumors outside of the radiation field, frequently occurring a few weeks or months after delivery of EBRT. This rare event has recently gained much interest, with the documentation of an immunological mechanism supporting it, and with the advent of immuno-oncology. Indeed, the potential for a synergistic effect between EBRT and immunotherapy led to great expectations, and a number of clinical trials were launched… currently, results are still awaited and the promises are not yet met [2]. …