The abscopal effect is rare host tumor response with features reminiscent of the immune reconstitution syndrome.
Patient selection: metastatic cancer
Features of the abscopal effect:
(1) administration of a local anticancer therapy such as radiation therapy
(2) followed by a systemic antitumor response
Observations:
(1) absolute lymphopenia is associated with reduced response
(2) response enhanced by increased CD8 lymphocytes
(3) response enhanced by PD-1 blockade
The diagnosis requires the therapy to only have a local affect. Chemotherapeutic agents may circulate in the body, so are not associated with the absopal effect.
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