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Profile picture for gamaryanne @gamaryanne

Dr question:
Do you find that SBRT designates the target tumor but may also “awaken” dormant cancer cells?

Also, if someone is NED, how long should one continue systemic therapy to hopefully accomplish “cured”?

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Replies to "Dr question: Do you find that SBRT designates the target tumor but may also “awaken” dormant..."

Thank you for your questions. I would defer your question regarding systemic therapy and NED to one of our medical oncologists, as there are many factors they consider as to whether to continue chemotherapy or switch to surveillance imaging. With regards to radiation therapy, we tend to use this both as a treatment for unresectable tumors as well as a way to kill tumors and ensure a negative margin at surgery. I have not seen any research that shows it may awaken dormant cancer cells.