Does Use of Intratumoral Injections in Solid Tumor Malignancies Improve Outcomes and Reduce Adverse Events? An Integrative Review

The purpose of this review is to assess the efficacy and adverse events associated with intratumoral injection in the treatment of solid tumor malignancies. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, and Scopus databases from 2009 to 2022. A total of 588 articles were retrieved, with five selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria specified English language publications, in human trials, and use of intratumoral anticancer agents. The findings from this integrative review demonstrate treatment efficacy as measured by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria with increased stable disease and partial response in patients as well as a prolonged survival period. Additionally, findings show that this therapy is associated with predominantly mild adverse events.