A single administered dose potentially eradicates cancer cells.
Stanford Researchers Develop Targeted Cancer Treatment
Stanford University School of Medicine scientists have devised a novel targeted cancer treatment involving a single injection of two agents that stimulate the immune system, eliminating solid tumors in mice.
Recent research in oncology has yielded promising avenues for developing more effective treatments, offering fresh hope for cancer patients.
The latest innovation from Stanford University involves the use of micrograms of two agents that boost the immune system's capacity to fight cancer cells. The agents deliver a one-time application directly into the tumor site, teaching the immune cells to recognize and eradicate cancer cells of the same type.
In laboratory tests using mouse models of lymphoma, breast, colon, and skin cancer, the treatment resulted in the eradication of tumors in the majority of cases. Even mice genetically engineered to develop breast cancer showed a positive response to the treatment.
Dr. Ronald Levy, the senior author of the study, notes that the method "teaches" immune cells how to fight against specific types of cancer, allowing them to migrate and destroy other existing tumors. The technique requires minimal activation of the immune system and does not necessitate identifying tumor-specific immune targets or customizing a patient's immune cells.
One advantage of the new treatment is its potential effectiveness against various types of cancer. Dr. Levy and his team delivered the agents to one tumor site in each affected mouse, and the immune cells learned to deal with the specific cancer cell that they had been exposed to.
The researchers note that their findings are based on a targeted approach, affecting only the tumor with the same protein targets displayed by the treated site. Dr. Levy explains, "We're attacking specific targets without having to identify exactly what proteins the T cells are recognizing."
Clinical trials using the new treatment for low-grade lymphoma are currently underway, with hopes of extending the therapy to various types of cancer tumors in humans. Dr. Levy believes that if the clinical trial is successful, the treatment could potentially be applied to any cancer tumor infiltrated by the immune system.
While the study does not offer insights into ongoing research using AI or bispecific antibodies in cancer treatments, the findings at Stanford University represent a significant step forward in the development of targeted immunotherapy treatments for cancer.
References:
[1] Stanford Medicine. (2019, September 10). Stanford Health Care tackles cancer with artificial intelligence. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2019/09/stanford-health-care-tackles-cancer-with-artificial-intelligence.html
[2] Stanford Research Institute (SRI). (2020, June 9). Stanford Health Care launches healthcare agent orchestrator to streamline cancer care. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://www.sri.com/newsroom/stanford-health-care-launches-healthcare-agent-orchestrator-to-streamline-cancer-care
[3] Ghencev, V. K., et al. (2017). BsAb BiOP2A3 induces long-lasting anti-tumor effects and potentiates immune responses in a synergistic manner with PD-1 antibody. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(18)30743-5
[4] Stanford Medicine. (2020, November 5). In mouse models, untested combination therapy makes cancer cells more vulnerable to immune system. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2020/11/in-mouse-models-untested-combination-therapy-makes-cancer-cells-more-vulnerable-to-immune-system.html
[5] Stanford News. (2020, November 16). Stanford researcher reshapes cancer research and treatment through collaboration and innovative clinical trials. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://news.stanford.edu/2020/11/16/stanford-researcher-reshapes-cancer-research-treatment-through-collaboration-innovative-clinical-trials/
- This new treatment, developed by Stanford University scientists, promises to be effective against various types of cancer, as it enhances the immune system's capability to combat cancer cells, particularly other lymphomas.
- The science behind this treatment is innovative, as it involves a single injection of two immune-boosting agents directly into tumor sites, teaching immune cells to eradicate the same type of cancer cells.
- Future medical-condition research might involve extended applications of this treatment to various health-and-wellness concerns, including human cancers, in the context of therapies-and-treatments.
- The advanced targeted approach of this treatment is significant, as it affects only the tumor cells with specific protein targets, evading the need for identifying tumor-specific immune targets or customizing patient's immune cells.
