The hereditary disease familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) significantly increases the risk of developing duodenal cancer. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a mechanism involving the local immune system that drives the development of cancer in FAP patients. This breakthrough offers a promising new approach to preventing duodenal carcinoma.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by an increased risk of bowel and duodenal cancers, as well as precancerous polyps. Current treatment involves close endoscopic monitoring with removal of these polyps, but this also comes with a higher risk. Dr. Benjamin Krämer notes that there are no specific preventive therapies for FAP, highlighting the need to identify other factors influencing disease development.

The Bonn researchers found an increased number of type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in the duodenum of FAP patients, particularly near polyps and cancerous areas. These immune cells produce interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a neurotransmitter that stimulates intestinal cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). High concentrations of ROS can damage genetic material, contributing to the development of cancer.

Dr. Kim Melanie Kaiser explains how this mechanism contributes to cancer: “The increased number of IL-17A-producing ILC3 in the duodenum creates a local environment that favors the development of cancer in FAP patients.” Prof. Dr. Jacob Nattermann suggests targeting these immune cells or blocking IL-17A directly in the duodenum as a promising new approach to preventing duodenal cancer in people with FAP.

This discovery offers an urgently needed therapeutic option for FAP patients and highlights the importance of further research into the role of the local immune system in disease development.

The latest breakthrough in cancer treatment has been achieved through a revolutionary cell therapy that has shown promising results in treating advanced solid tumors. This innovative approach, developed by an international research group led by scientists from the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC) in Dresden, involves using genetically engineered T cells to target and attack tumor-specific proteins.

In a phase 1 clinical trial involving 40 patients, the researchers tested the IMA203 therapy, which targets the PRAME peptide produced almost exclusively by tumors. This unique approach enables the T cells to recognize and attack tumor cells without harming healthy tissue. The results of this study were published in the journal Nature Medicine.

One of the most significant advantages of this cell therapy is its ability to induce a lasting response in patients who had not responded to standard therapies before. Over half of the treated patients showed a positive response, with many experiencing long-term benefits exceeding eight months or even several years. This is particularly noteworthy compared to chemotherapy, which typically lasts three to six months.

The therapy was also found to be well-tolerated, with mild to moderate side effects such as fever and skin rash being temporary and manageable. The study’s lead author, Prof. Martin Wermke, hailed the results as a breakthrough, stating that the efficacy of IMA203 far exceeds current chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.

The success of this cell therapy has opened up new avenues for treatment in patients with solid tumors, including melanoma, ovarian cancer, sarcomas, and lung cancer. Future studies are planned to explore its potential in treating these types of cancers, particularly in patients who have not responded to conventional therapies. The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC) Dresden is also testing other cell therapies for various skin cancers and lung cancer treatments, further expanding the possibilities for targeted therapy approaches in cancer treatment.

The human body is made up of trillions of tiny cells, each working together in harmony to keep us alive. At the heart of this complex system are proteins – the building blocks of life that facilitate communication between cells and ensure biological systems function properly. Despite their importance, there’s still much we don’t know about proteins, including how many exist within a human cell.

A team of scientists at the University of Copenhagen has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize our understanding of protein research. Led by Professor Jesper Velgaard Olsen, the researchers have developed a cutting-edge technology called SC-pSILAC that allows them to analyze and quantify proteins in individual cells with unprecedented depth.

With this new approach, scientists can measure how individual cells produce and break down proteins – a process known as ‘protein turnover’. This technique has significant implications for cancer research, drug development, and personalized medicine. By tracking the abundance of proteins and the rate at which they are turned over in single cells, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how specific drugs impact protein function.

The SC-pSILAC method is particularly useful when studying cancer cells, which divide rapidly and are typically targeted by chemotherapy. However, some cancer cells do not divide, allowing them to evade chemotherapy. The new method helps identify these treatment-resistant cells, leading to better therapies.

In one notable example, the researchers used SC-pSILAC to examine how the cancer medication bortezomib impacts protein turnover in individual cells. Their findings uncovered specific proteins and previously unknown biological processes influenced by the treatment.

“This method represents a significant leap in protein research,” Professor Olsen says. “We have worked for years to analyze proteins within cells, but only recently has technological progress enabled us to do so at the single-cell level.”

Thanks to this innovation, scientists now have a far more detailed understanding of how proteins operate at the molecular level. The hope is that this knowledge will drive advancements in disease diagnostics and treatment strategies, ultimately improving human health and saving lives.