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Cancer Breakthrough: Solid Tumors Now Targeted
18 Aug
Summary
- New technique uses focused ultrasound to target solid tumors.
- SHIFTERS system makes cancer cells temporarily display a marker.
- Experimental therapy shows promise shrinking tumors in animal models.
A groundbreaking advancement in cancer therapy may soon allow for the effective treatment of solid tumors, a challenge that has long eluded CAR-T cell therapy. Researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering have pioneered a novel approach using focused ultrasound to create a temporary, targeted marker on solid tumor cells.
This innovative system, named SHIFTERS, is designed to overcome the lack of clear targets in solid tumors. By detecting tumor hallmarks like low oxygen and combining this with precisely aimed focused ultrasound, the system prompts tumor cells to briefly display the CD19 marker. This marker is then recognized by CAR-T cells, directing them to attack the cancerous cells.
Initial testing on laboratory-grown cancer cells, tumor models, and animals has yielded remarkable results, with significant tumor shrinkage observed. Notably, only a fraction of tumor cells displaying the temporary marker, which lasts about a week, were needed to initiate a potent immune response. While this research is still experimental and has not yet been tested on humans, it represents a significant leap forward in oncology.
