Researchers from the University of Basel have uncovered a new strategy to strengthen the response to immunotherapy, and their discovery provides a new approach for those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy Has Offered Mixed Results for Mesothelioma Patients
Though the success of immunotherapy in treating certain types of cancers has garnered a significant amount of attention, its use in malignant mesothelioma has offered only limited success. But that could change based on a new report published in the scientific journal PNAS.
The study, conducted by medical oncologists and scientists at the University of Basel, showed that when patients are provided with multiple types of antibodies that each of different mechanisms, it makes the protocol more effective. This offers new hope for those who have not previously responded to immunotherapy.
Bolstering Immunotherapy By Combining Antibodies
Whether immunotherapy is being used to treat mesothelioma or any other type of cancer, the approach remains the same. It introduces antibodies to activate the body’s immune system to kill malignancies. Unfortunately, the approach has fallen short in some patients, in large part because though the antibodies successfully activated the killer T-cells needed to kill the cancer, they were not able to access tumors’ interior because of the weakness of their blood vessels.
By providing antibodies that stabilize tumor blood vessels at the same time as the typical immunotherapy antibodies, the killer cells were able to penetrate the tumors, making them more effective. Interestingly, the researchers also found that the combination of antibodies strengthened the immune system and created an inflammatory response that assisted in weakening the tumor. It is unclear when this approach will be attempted with mesothelioma patients, but the researchers believe that it will provide an improved response.
If you have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, researchers are working every day to find a cure for your illness. For information on the latest innovations contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
