Scientists have found that an FDA-approved drug called AMD3100 can release immune cells trapped in fibrous tissue, allowing them to attack a rare and difficult-to-treat form of liver cancer.
The research showed that this cancer evades the immune system by luring T-cells into the dense, fibrous tissue surrounding the tumor, where the cells become inactive and unable to mount an effective response. AMD3100 appears to free those trapped T-cells, restoring their ability to target malignant cells.
Because the drug is already approved for other uses, repurposing it could potentially shorten the path to clinical testing for this cancer. Drug repurposing is an increasingly common strategy in oncology, allowing researchers to build on established safety data.
Rare liver cancers can be especially challenging to treat, and the immune system’s inability to penetrate tumor defenses is a recurring obstacle in cancer therapy. Tumors often create physical and chemical barriers that shield them from immune attack.
The findings highlight a mechanism by which tumors disable immune defenses and a possible way to counter it. Additional research will be needed to confirm the approach and evaluate its effectiveness in patients.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/