Work

Abscopal effect-induced spontaneous regression of distant metastases in malignant mesenchymal tumor: a case report

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The abscopal effect refers to an anti-tumor response that occurs in areas where radiotherapy (RT) has not been directly administered but is triggered by the immune system. We presented a case of an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma with three relapses that showed a complete response after distant metastatic disease. The tumor was initially detected in the left pectoral muscle. Fifteen months after adjuvant RT and chemotherapy, a nearby recurrent lesion was surgically removed. Another 15 months later, a second recurrence appeared on the left lateral chest wall. The patient underwent a third surgery and received adjuvant radiation, but distant metastases were discovered 6 months later. Shortly after a biopsy confirmed distant metastasis, all metastatic foci went into spontaneous remission. This phenomenon is identified as the abscopal effect. The patient experienced no metastasis or local recurrences during follow-up and showed a complete response to the abscopal effect for 36 months. The abscopal effect in malignant mesenchymal tumors is extremely rare.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1475129

Authors: Meltem Kirli Bolukbas, Cemile Ozdemir, Esengul Kocak Uzel

Institutions: Bakırköy Dr.Sadi Konuk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi

Language: English

Topic: Sarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,295