Scientists have learned about the ability of immune cells to stop fighting cancer

Scientists from the University of Geneva and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research have learned that neutrophil immune cells can promote the growth of cancer cells rather than stop the progression of the disease. This was reported on February 10 by Science Daily magazine.

Neutrophils are among the most numerous immune cells in the body, which usually serve as the first line of defense against infections and injuries. However, this changes with a confirmed cancerous tumor. Studies have shown that, once in the tumor environment, neutrophils begin to produce the CCL3 molecule, which stimulates tumor growth. This occurs against the background of many types of cancer and can be a signal for tracking the progression of the disease.

The study of neutrophils presents technical challenges, especially in the field of genetic manipulation. To overcome these problems, the scientists used several experimental strategies to precisely control the CCL3 gene in neutrophils without affecting other cells.

After the gene was deleted, the neutrophils allegedly stopped supporting tumor growth and continued to function normally in the bloodstream. The researchers also reinforced their findings by reanalyzing data from multiple independent studies.

There is no tumor: how to avoid cancer

Izvestia's special project about cancer and victory over it

"We had to innovate to detect neutrophils more accurately. Their low genetic activity often makes them invisible when using standard analysis tools. By developing a new method, we were able to show that in many cancers these cells have a common trajectory: they produce large amounts of CCL3, which is associated with pro—tumor activity," explained study co-author and bioinformatics specialist Pratyaksha Virapati.

The identification of the CCL3 molecule as a key driver of tumor growth opens up new possibilities for understanding cancer evolution. Michael Pitte, Professor at the Department of Pathology and Immunology and the Center for Translational Research in Hematology (CRTOH) at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, member of the Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research in Lausanne, emphasizes that this work shows that there are many variables that determine the evolution of the disease.

"After their correct identification, they could help to better adapt the treatment of each patient and ultimately offer more effective and personalized care," the specialist concluded.

Olga Kuptsova, an expert on cancer insurance at Rosgosstrakh, spoke to Izvestia on February 8 about current trends in cancer treatment. According to her, there are two main directions — targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The specialist emphasized that surgery has also evolved. Kuptsova noted that minimally invasive techniques are increasingly being used. According to her, they are less traumatic and shorten the recovery time.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.