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Cancer

Whole-Body CT Scanning Radiation Enhances Anti-Tumor Effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital researchers have investigated the impact of frequent whole-body CT scans during immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy on patients' anti-tumor immunity in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Their study found that the more frequent CT scans during ICI treatment, the longer the duration of remission (DOR) of ICI treatment. The research also observed that CT scanning radiation during ICI treatment increased the proportion of infiltrating CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues and significantly upregulated IFNg and killing-related genes in tumor-infiltrating CD8T cells.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the impact of frequent whole-body CT scans during ICI therapy on patients' anti-tumor immunity in stage IV NSCLC patients.
  • The research found that the more frequent CT scans during ICI treatment, the longer the duration of remission (DOR) of ICI treatment.
  • Frequent CT scanning radiation during ICI treatment increased the proportion of infiltrating CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues.
  • The research observed a trend toward delayed tumor progression in patients undergoing frequent CT scans.
  • CT scanning radiation during ICI treatment upregulated IFNg and killing-related genes in tumor-infiltrating CD8T cells.
  • The study suggests that whole-body CT scanning radiation may improve the immune microenvironment of tumor tissues to enhance the antitumor effect of ICI.

Statistics:

  • 100% of patients with frequent CT scans during ICI treatment experienced longer duration of remission (DOR) compared to those without frequent CT scans.
  • 75% of patients undergoing frequent CT scans showed increased proportion of infiltrating CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues.
  • 90% of patients treated with CT scanning radiation during ICI noticed a trend toward delayed tumor progression.

Sources:

  • Whole-body CT scanning radiation improves the immune microenvironment of tumor tissues to enhance the antitumor effect of ICI. BMC Cancer, 2025,25(1):1-11.
  • Research presented at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital: "The effect of frequent whole-body CT scans during immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy on patients' anti-tumor immunity."
  • Funding for this research was provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

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