Tumor therapeutics in the era of "RECIST": past, current insights, and future prospects.

Abstract

In recent years, advancements in medical treatment and imaging technologies have revolutionized the assessment of tumor response. However, the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) has long been established as the gold standard for evaluating tumor treatment. As treatment modalities evolve, the need for continuous refinement and adaptation of RECIST becomes increasingly apparent. This review explores the historical evolution, current applications, limitations, and future directions of RECIST. It discusses the challenges of distinguishing true progression from pseudo-progression in ICIs (immune checkpoint inhibitors), the integration of advanced imaging tools, and the necessity for RECIST criteria tailored to specific therapies like neoadjuvant treatments. The review highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance RECIST's accuracy and reliability in clinical decision-making and the potential for developing new standards to better evaluate treatment efficacy in the rapidly evolving landscape of oncology.