New technique for targeting cancer cells with immune system identified

UK researchers have developed a potentially groundbreaking new method for destroying cancer cells using the body's own immune system.

A team from Cancer Research UK and the Rosetrees Trust have found that certain genetic variants in cancer cells representing the very earliest mutations of the disease can be found displayed in all cells in the tumour.

It was found that specialised immune cells called T-cells were able to recognise these common flags present in every tumour cell, potentially making it possible to target and destroy all cancerous cells within a tumour at the same time.

Normally, these potent immune cells are switched off by the tumour's defences, but it could be feasible to create a therapeutic vaccine to activate the T-cells.

In this way, the team hopes to be able to tackle previously untreatable forms of cancer using therapies that are specifically tailored to an individual's specific needs.

Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK's chief clinician, said: "The research fills key gaps in our knowledge about the effects of the immune system on tumours. This gives us hope of developing better treatments for some of the cancers we have previously found hardest to treat."