intratumoraler

Intratumoraler, commonly translated as intratumoral in English, describes phenomena, measurements, or therapies that occur within a tumor. The term helps distinguish local tumor biology from systemic processes and is used in research and clinical practice to discuss tissue-specific considerations in oncology.

Intratumoral heterogeneity refers to genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic diversity among cancer cells within a single tumor. Such variation can drive treatment resistance and complicate prognosis. Characterizing this heterogeneity often involves multi-region sampling and single-cell sequencing to inform biopsy strategies and therapeutic planning.

Intratumoral therapies deliver agents directly into the tumor. Examples include intratumoral injections of immunotherapies or oncolytic viruses, localized cytokine or chemotherapy administration, and targeted radiotherapy. Benefits include high local drug concentration and reduced systemic toxicity; limitations include uneven distribution due to tissue architecture and diffusion barriers, and potential damage to surrounding structures.

Assessing intratumoral effects relies on imaging and repeat biopsies to evaluate distribution, response, and any systemic immune consequences such as abscopal effects, where local treatment promotes systemic anti-tumor activity.

Intratumoraler approaches are particularly used for accessible lesions and when systemic therapy is insufficient or poorly tolerated. Ongoing research seeks to optimize delivery methods, combine intratumoral strategies with systemic therapies, and better understand how intratumoral dynamics shape overall outcomes.