Immune cells ‘can be modified to combat neuroblastoma’

Scientists have found a way of modifying immune cells known as natural killer T (NKT) cells to combat the childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

A team from Texas Children's Cancer Center and the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at the Baylor College of Medicine have found a way of redirecting the function of NKT cells so they recognise neuroblastoma cells as being dangerous.

By engineering them to react to a molecule often found on the surface of neuroblastoma tumours known as GD2, NKT cells can kill tumour cells while also re-activating local immune cells that have been tricked into ignoring or supporting the cancer.

Using this technique, the scientists were able to achieve long-lasting remission and in some instances cure mice carrying highly aggressive human neuroblastoma.

Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK and chair of the NCRI, said: "We are excited to see so much research both here and internationally into badly needed new treatments for neuroblastoma patients."

Neuroblastoma affects around 100 children each year in the UK, usually striking those under the age of five, but can also occur before the child is even born.