How to limit the sequelae left by radiotherapy? To treat a breast cancer, doctors sometimes use the technique of radiotherapy, which involves sending rays locally to destroy cancer cells. But these rays can also kill healthy cells near the tumor. Cancer researchers from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) in Montpellier have developed a new test that can predict the risk of sequelae left by radiotherapy. Their results are presented in the journal EBioMedicine.
Predict the sequelae with a blood test
Scientists recruited 500 breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy in 10 French centers and sought to assess the rate of cell death of CD8 lymphocytes, cells of the immune system. This rate is measured by a simple blood test, the result of which can be obtained in 72 hours. The blood of the patients participating in this study was therefore tested, before they received their radiotherapy treatment. These women were then followed for three years to observe the risks of late sequelae in the mammary glands, such as fibrosis (destruction of tissue). The result: the higher the cell death rate, the lower the risk of late sequelae.
Personalize radiotherapy
“This study provides a sufficient level of evidence to use this test in daily clinical practice and changes the management of patients. With the accompanying results, we can consider the possibility of locally increasing the total dose of radiation or modifying the target volumes without compromising the carcinological results.“explains David Azria, principal investigator of the study, in a press release from Inserm. Identifying the patients most at risk of sequelae would indeed make it possible to personalize radiotherapy treatments. To obtain an accurate prediction, the researchers have also developed a nomogram, a calculator that includes this blood test along with other patient measurements and medical data. “The results integrated with all the parameters make it possible to give a reliable risk of late sequelae after radiotherapy“concludes David Azria.
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