Inventing a hat-shaped device with the ability to treat brain cancer
A hat that helps treat brain cancer.
A helmet-shaped device placed on the skull could boost the power of natural killer cells to destroy brain cancer.
In a new study, scientists looking to find cancer treatments investigated whether tumor therapeutic field (TTF) devices can somehow target natural killer (NK) cells when they They are used as immunotherapy to strengthen or not.
When NK cells were exposed to a tumor-treating field device, they showed greater degranulation against brain cancer cells.
Glioblastoma, a dangerous type of cancer that spreads through the brain or even the spinal cord, will soon be treated with a therapy cap that emits electrical currents.
In their latest breakthrough, scientists have discovered that a tumor therapeutic field specifically enhances the cancer-killing ability of natural killer cells in the laboratory.
Tumor therapeutic field devices to help treat brain cancer
It is a non-invasive procedure for adults diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer.
The device consists of a series of adhesives or bandages that hold insulated ceramic discs called “transducer arrays” to a shaved head.
Wires connect these arrays to a portable, battery-powered device that can be carried in a duffel bag or backpack. When NK cells were exposed to the tumor treatment device, they showed greater degranulation against brain cancer.
Microgranulation is a procedure in which the power of natural killer cells is enhanced to kill cancer cells more effectively.
The study was conducted by a group of scientists at Trinity College of Biochemistry and Immunology, Dublin, Ireland, in collaboration with an engineer at the University of Cambridge, England.
Claire Gardiner, professor of immunology at Trinity's Institute of Life Sciences, said in a statement that immunotherapy has improved outcomes for a wide range of cancer types and offers significant potential for difficult-to-treat cancers.
However, it is likely that a combination of treatment approaches will ultimately be required for maximum impact on patient outcomes.
The least negative effect on natural killer cells
Little is known about whether the tumor-treating field can be used successfully in combination with immunotherapies, or even to help stop the treatment altogether, says Gardiner.
However, the findings are very promising, as our study shows that they had a less negative effect on natural killer cells, and this seems to make them even more effective as killers.
The researchers also observed that while the device did not significantly affect the main immunological molecules produced by natural killer cells, they did not seem to affect the viability of natural killer cells or the production of “cytokines”.
Although the tumor-treating field increases the degranulation of natural killer cells, which means an increase in their ability to kill cancer, but in summary, they had the least negative effect on the survival of these natural killers.
This finding shows that the device not only disrupts brain tumor growth, but also enhances the body's immune response and makes natural killer cells more powerful in targeting and killing brain cancer cells.
Scientists plan to conduct more studies to provide the right treatment for brain cancer.
