T cell-independent abscopal responses to radiotherapy

When used according to specific dose/fractionation schedules, focal radiotherapy can elicit a systemic anticancer immune response that limits the growth of distant, non-irradiated tumors. Recent data suggest that, at least in some settings, intratumoral macrophages can be educated by CD47 blockage to pro -mote such an 'abscopal' response independent of CD8(+) T cells.

Automated summary

When used in specific doses and schedules, focal radiotherapy can induce a systemic immune response against cancer that limits the growth of tumors in non-irradiated areas. Recent data indicate that intratumoral macrophages can be educated by blocking CD47 to promote an 'abscopal' response independent of CD8(+) T cells.