Immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for various types of cancer, utilizing the body’s own immune system to combat illness. However, cancer cells often develop the ability to weaken the activity of T-cells, which are crucial in fighting cancer. Researchers have been exploring ways to overcome this challenge and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
In a recent study published in Molecular Cancer, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, in collaboration with Danish biotech company CytoVac, have demonstrated promising results in cancer treatment by combining immunotherapy with a new technology developed by CytoVac.
The technology involves drawing the patient’s own blood and isolating and maturing T-cells in a laboratory setting. These lab-cultivated T-cells are then reintroduced into the patient. By administering these lab-cultivated T-cells in combination with drugs that prevent cancer cells from inhibiting T-cell activity, the researchers observed a significant increase in the effectiveness of the treatment.
The combination treatment was tested on animals with triple-negative breast cancer, a subtype known for having limited treatment options and lower survival rates compared to other breast cancers. The results showed that the combination treatment inhibited tumor growth, prevented the spread of cancer, and significantly prolonged survival in the animal models.
According to Odd Gammelgaard, one of the researchers involved in the study, the long-term goal is to offer this combination treatment to patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The only requirement for patients to receive this treatment would be repeated blood donations. Additionally, the researchers believe that the combination treatment may also be effective in treating other types of cancer, although further research is needed to establish this.
While the results are promising, Gammelgaard emphasizes that the next step is to test the treatment on humans to determine if similar findings can be achieved. This process can be lengthy, and it is too early to predict when and if patients will benefit from this new combined treatment.
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment in the past two decades, and this study brings hope for further advancements in the field. By combining immunotherapy with Danish technology developed by CytoVac, researchers have shown promising results in enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatment. While the specific focus has been on triple-negative breast cancer, the potential for this combination treatment to benefit other types of cancer is encouraging. However, further research is required to validate these findings, and the process of testing on humans is still needed to determine the viability of this treatment option for patients.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
