Scientists uncover two-pronged strategy to overcome glioblastoma's resistance to immunotherapy
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified a combination treatment that overcomes two of the biggest barriers to immunotherapy in glioblastoma. In a study published in Neuro-Oncology, the researchers show that reprogramming myeloid cells, a type of immune cell that glioblastoma tumors co-opt to protect themselves, while simultaneously boosting cancer-fighting T cells shrank the tumors and…
A team of scientists at The Wistar Institute has developed a two-pronged approach to combat glioblastoma, the deadliest and most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults. The study, published in Neuro-Oncology, reveals that targeting hypoxia in the tumor environment, while simultaneously boosting T cells, can overcome the major obstacles glioblastoma presents to immunotherapy.
Glioblastoma tumors are packed with myeloid cells that suppress the immune system by shutting down nearby T cells. Additionally, T cells that enter the tumor often become exhausted, making them less effective at killing cancer cells. By reducing hypoxia using axitinib, a drug already used in combination with immunotherapy, and boosting T cells with a 4-1BB agonist, the scientists were able to significantly increase median survival in preclinical mouse models from 17 days to 42 days, with a 40% long-term survival rate.
The combination therapy also prevented re-growth of tumors following re-exposure, indicating lasting immune memory. While the study shows promise, it has not yet been tested in humans, but researchers hope to begin clinical trials in the near future.
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