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New Therapy Turns Cancer's Allies Against It
11 Jan
Summary
- New treatment reprograms macrophages within tumors.
- CAR-macrophages are generated directly inside the body.
- Animal studies show significant reduction in tumor growth.
A groundbreaking advancement in cancer immunotherapy has emerged from KAIST, offering a new way to combat solid tumors. Researchers have successfully developed a method to reprogram immune cells, specifically macrophages, directly inside the tumor environment. This innovative approach avoids the costly and time-consuming process of extracting and modifying cells in a lab.
The treatment utilizes lipid nanoparticles containing mRNA instructions and immune-activating compounds. When injected into a tumor, these nanoparticles are absorbed by macrophages, transforming them into "CAR-macrophages." These reprogrammed cells are now capable of recognizing and attacking cancer cells, and they also stimulate other immune cells, amplifying the body's defense.
Initial studies in animal models, particularly for melanoma, have shown remarkable results, with significant suppression of tumor growth. This new strategy not only addresses the challenges of delivering therapies to solid tumors but also overcomes the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment, presenting a powerful new tool against cancer.
