Researchers developed improved immunotherapy against cancer

This was able to destroy malignant tumors in mice, as the study published in the journal “Nature Biotechnology” shows. Specifically, the researchers have improved the so-called CAR T-cell therapy. For this immunotherapy, the body’s own white blood cells are genetically modified in the laboratory so that they can recognize and specifically destroy cancer cells. It has been approved in Switzerland since October 2018. So far it has been used in various forms of blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma.

However, the genetically modified cells have difficulties with solid tumors, such as breast cancer or lung cancer, as the study stated. They deplete too quickly and ultimately fail to completely destroy the tumors.

To prevent this, EPFL researchers expanded the genetic engineering modifications to the cells: They made the cells produce so-called interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory protein. In this way, the T cells essentially produce their own medicine.

As part of the study, the immunotherapy cells pimped in this way completely destroyed tumors of various types of cancer in mice. Even after tumor cells were reintroduced into cured mice, they were unable to establish themselves or develop any malignant characteristics, as the researchers demonstrated in their study.

According to the authors, this shows the long-term effectiveness of the treatment: the immune system remains reactive and can effectively neutralize any threat of new cancer. “The results in my laboratory are extremely exciting. We are convinced that this technology has the potential to save lives,” study leader Li Tang was quoted as saying in the statement.

Clinical trials with the improved immunotherapy are currently underway, EPFL said. In the eleven patients who were treated as part of this clinical study, the cancer had completely disappeared.

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