Scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Australia have discovered that gamma-delta T cells can recognize and destroy small cell lung cancer cells, even if the tumor evades other immune systems.
According to “Elchi”, the research was published in the journal “Cancer Cell”.
Small cell lung cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors. One of the reasons for its treatment difficulties is its ability to evade traditional T cells, which are targeted by many types of immunotherapy. The new research has shown that the immune system has another way of attacking.
Initially, the authors analyzed data from two large clinical trials – “IMpower133” and CASPIAN. Strong evidence of the presence of gamma-delta T cells in tumors was associated with greater benefit from immunotherapy.
Then, miniature tumors were grown from patient samples. Gamma-delta T cells isolated from the blood of the same individuals were added to these tumors. The immune cells successfully recognized and destroyed the cancer cells.
This effect was enhanced by two drugs. “Zoledronate” increased the number of gamma-delta T cells present and improved tumor recognition, while tarlatamab helped bring immune and cancer cells closer together. The drugs together increased the effectiveness of the attack in the laboratory model.
The authors are also investigating the possibility of expanding these lymphocytes outside the body and then returning them to the patient.