Tag: Cancer

Scientists have devised a CRISPR-based tool that can kill cells carrying a specific strand of RNA. The tested targets include cancerous and virus-infected cells [1]. Targeted assassination of cells CRISPR-based systems work by cutting or changing DNA at a particular spot, an ability that can be used to fix dangerous mutations, such as in the...

Scientists have found a way to drastically ramp up mouse immune responses to cancer along with flu and COVID-19 [1]. How to wake up the immune system Modern cancer immunotherapies only work for a minority of patients. The reason, broadly, is that many tumors are immunologically “cold”: they do not trigger, and/or actively suppress, the...

Arming NK and T cells with metabolite-sensing receptors enhances their ability to infiltrate tumors and improves cancer outcomes in mice in a new study [1]. How to get immune cells into the tumor? One of the central challenges in cancer immunotherapy is getting the right immune cells to the right place. Natural killer (NK) cells...

In a new study, an ingenious CRISPR-based tool was used to create CAR T cells in vivo instead of the usual in vitro approach. It showed higher efficacy across three cancer types, including a solid tumor [1]. CAR T therapies: promising but imperfect Ideally, T cells, the killer cells of our adaptive immune systems, should...

Scientists in Japan have discovered that multiple strains of bacteria taken from frogs, newts, and lizards can be effective against human colon cancer in a mouse model. One particular microbe achieved a perfect response rate and survival [1]. Bacteria against cancer Recent research has illuminated the enormous impact of the microbiome on overall health. Microbes...

Researchers publishing in Aging Cell have documented a key reason why older people are much more likely to get melanoma. Why older people have significantly worse melanoma cases While melanoma is much more treatable now than in the past, it still remains a serious danger. Melanoma can develop resistance to otherwise effective techniques [1], meaning...