A group of American researchers recently made a significant discovery regarding the microenvironment that influences the development of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), providing essential information for future therapies.
The team at Boston Medical Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has performed one of the first single-cell analyzes of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), revealing new information about this rare, often difficult-to-treat cancer.
This discovery represents a significant step in understanding why these tumors are largely resistant to immunotherapy and provides crucial knowledge that could contribute to the development of future treatments.
Dr. Matthew Kulke, chief of hematology/oncology at Boston Medical Center and co-author of the study, emphasized that this study was a special achievement that stimulated the efforts and innovations of Boston researchers, facilitating a deeper understanding of the molecular factors that influence these tumors are varied and difficult to treat. He noted that these findings are the first step toward developing new therapies for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.
Neuroendocrine cells are found in all organs of the human body and send messages through hormones to regulate the functioning of the body. In adults, these tumors tend to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs.
Although advanced treatments have been developed, neuroendocrine tumors have remained difficult to treat and largely resistant to immunotherapy, which has revolutionized therapies for other cancers. Until this study, the underlying biological mechanisms of these tumors were largely unknown.
Dr. Jennifer Chan, clinical director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, pointed out that this study provides remarkable information about the variation of neuroendocrine tumors and their microstructural and immune environment. She noted that this research is now being used to develop new therapeutic strategies that will improve the care of patients with neuroendocrine tumors.
The study involved investigating both the tumors themselves and the cells in the surrounding microstructural environment. The use of single-cell sequencing technology has enabled unprecedented detailing of the genes and signaling pathways involved in the progression of tumors and their possible response to immunotherapy.
The team discovered a previously unknown variety in neuroendocrine tumor subtypes and revealed a potential evolution of tumor characteristics as they spread. At this resolution, scientists were able to observe cells and proteins in the microstructural environment of tumors that suppress immune responses. Targeting these proteins could make tumors more susceptible to immunotherapy treatment.
The full study was published Sept. 27 in the journal Science Advances.
Source: 360medical.ro
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2023-10-10 09:07:49
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