G.Z. Mukhametshina1,2, M.V. Aglullina1,2, L.A. Akhmetshina2, A.A. Nasibullina3
1Kazan State Medical Academy ― Branch Campus of the FSBEI FPE RMACPE MOH Russia, Kazan
2Republican Clinical Oncology Dispensary of Ministry of Healthcare of Tatarstan Republic named after prof. M.Z. Sigal, Kazan
3Kazan State Medical University, Kazan
Mukhametshina Guzel Z. ― Cand. of Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor of the Department of Oncology, Radiology and Palliative Medicine of the Kazan State Medical Academy ― Branch Campus of the FSBEI FPE RMACPE MOH Russia, oncologist of the Department of Chemotherapy №1 of the Republican Clinical Oncology Dispensary of Ministry of Healthcare of Tatarstan Republic named after prof. M.Z. Sigal
29 Sibirskiy Tract, Kazan, 420029, Russian Federation, tel. (843) 202-27-20, e-mail: gzm_kazan@mail.ru
Abstract. The main treatment method for metastatic breast cancer is drug therapy, while radiation exposure is auxiliary and is more often used for oligoprogression or pain relief. Research in recent years has changed the usual paradigm and speaks of a systemic effect of radiation therapy, which in the literature is called the «abscopal effect». This term refers to the regression of tumor cells outside the irradiation zone of the primary focus, which is realized through activation of the immune system. We hypothesized that local radiation therapy to the primary lesion in the mammary gland after the disease has stabilized may have a similar mechanism of action. Continuation of drug therapy as a maintenance treatment in accordance with the molecular biological subtype of the tumor, in our opinion, helps to improve long-term results. In this paper, we presented the results of observation of a small group of patients and shared our thoughts on the significance and role of radiation therapy in their cases.
Key words: abscopal effect, metastatic breast cancer, radiotherapy.