The Evolution of Radiation Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: From Local Therapy to Systemic Agent.

ABSTRACT: Radiation therapy is a mainstay of treatment in early and locally advanced breast cancer but is typically reserved for palliation of symptomatic lesions in patients with metastatic breast cancer. With new advances in the field of tumor biology and immunology, the role of radiation in the metastatic setting is evolving to harness its immune-enhancing properties. Through the release of tumor antigens, tumor DNA, and cytokines into the tumor microenvironment, radiation augments the antitumoral immune response to affect both the targeted lesion and distant sites of metastatic disease. The use of immunotherapeutics to promote antitumoral immunity has resulted in improved treatment responses in patients with metastatic disease and the combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy has become

SUBMITTER: Jutzy JMS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5976948 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature