| Cancer Discovery Uncovers New Way to ATTACK Resistant Tumors | Dear e-Alert Reader,
Cancer is a stealthy enemy. It is unquestionably a brutal disease—and conventional cancer treatments are often equally as brutal.
We have all, in some capacity, encountered the fear and hopelessness that accompany a cancer diagnosis—be it through a friend, a family member, or even yourself.
And while there is no cure (yet!), scientists have recently stumbled upon a breakthrough that could make waves in cancer treatment.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have identified a mechanism within cancer cells that could be the key to unlocking the immune system’s full potential against some of the most resistant tumors.
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This discovery centers on a protein called Ly6a, which researchers found in abundance within certain cancer cells—where it appears to “shut off” the immune system’s T cells.
In a fascinating twist, the team realized that by counteracting this protein, the immune system could reactivate itself—attacking and potentially eliminating even treatment-resistant tumors.
This story began with a look at ultraviolet (UV) radiation and its effects on the immune system.
While studying the immune response to UV exposure, researchers discovered that UV light triggers certain “brake” proteins to prevent the immune system from going overboard and attacking healthy cells.
Among these brake proteins, Ly6a emerged as a potent immune suppressant—one that cancers seem to exploit. Instead of helping maintain balance, Ly6a appears to help tumors avoid immune detection entirely.
Once this connection to Ly6a was discovered, the team wondered: could counteracting Ly6a release these “brakes” and empower the immune system to attack cancer cells? To test this, researchers administered Ly6a antibodies to mice with both melanoma and colon cancers—cancers typically resistant to most treatments.
The results were astonishing: the tumors shrank significantly, responding even where other treatments had failed.
This breakthrough isn’t just about one type of cancer. While tested on melanoma and colon cancer, it has the potential to work across various types, offering new hope for individuals whose cancers don’t respond to existing immunotherapies.
Current immunotherapies, especially those targeting a protein known as PD1, have transformed cancer treatment. However, nearly half of all patients don’t respond to PD1-based therapies. Ly6a antibodies could be a game-changer for these individuals, opening the door to treatment options where previously there were few.
This research also signals an exciting new path for scientists, who are already working to translate these findings into a drug that could soon be available for cancer patients. By targeting Ly6a, future treatments may provide the immune system with the extra boost it needs to fight cancer cells head-on.
With research still ongoing, scientists are hopeful that this discovery will soon become part of clinical cancer treatments.
In the meantime, it’s another inspiring example of how a small breakthrough—like understanding how UV light interacts with the immune system—can lead to significant advancements in our fight against cancer.
We will be sure to keep you updated as more research becomes available about this exciting potential.
To medical breakthroughs,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. At the Health Sciences Institute we have spent decades researching underground, natural therapies for beating cancer. And we’ve included them all in our “Beyond Chemotherapy” Cancer Protocol. Learn more about this cancer-fighting tool, here.
Sources:
Tel Aviv University. (2024, October 30). Researchers discover cancer mechanism that can eliminate tumors—even those resistant to immunotherapy. Medicalxpress.com; Medical Xpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-cancer-mechanism-tumors-resistant-immunotherapy.html
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