New immunotherapy inhibits tumor growth and protects against metastases

CRIG

Scientists at the VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology have taken important steps forward in the development of a cancer-targeting immunotherapy. The research team of prof. Xavier Saelens and PhD student Lien Van Hoecke (VIB-UGent, CRIG) developed a treatment in mice that destroys part of the tumor and stimulates the immune system to attack persistent surviving cancer cells. In addition, the researchers demonstrated that the treatment provides protection against the development of tumor formation in other areas of the body.

Their findings have been published in the renowned journal Nature Communications. Next to the research team of prof. Saelens, other CRIG researchers (incl. team of prof. Jan Tavernier & team of prof. Peter Vandenabeele) collaborated in this study.