Scientists at research center Applied Medical Research (CIMA) and the Clínica Universidad de Navarra have demonstrated that the combination of immunotherapy techniques is safe in patients with advanced colon cancer. In addition, it triggers immune mechanisms capable of destroying malignant tissue. The results have been published in the Journal of Immunology.

The treatment consists of administering low doses of a drug, cyclophosphamide, to reduce immune depressor mechanisms, as well as vaccines with dendritic cells (which naturally initiate the immune response by presenting antigens). "These cells are loaded with denatured tumor tissue and stimulated with substances that make them believe they are in the presence of a virus infection. We complete the treatment with agents that increase the survival of dendritic cells and amplify the immune response," explains Dr. Ignacio Melero, researcher of CIMA and Clínica Universidad de Navarra and lead author of work.

The article published in the Journal of Immunology describes the effect of the treatment on mouse tumors, the process to apply it in humans and the monitoring of the immunobiological phenomena that this treatment sets in motion in patients, as well as the follow-up by imaging techniques of the injected cells. "The CIMA-Clinical interaction has been crucial. A study of this subject is only possible by integrating a cutting-edge medical research center and a hospital with a research vocation and high-level technical means."

essay clinical in progress

The results of the study suggest that the treatment may be beneficial in patients with colon cancer spread to the liver who have had the tumor removed but are at risk for relapse. "To confirm whether this therapy prevents recurrence we are conducting a clinical essay led by the Clínica Universidad de Navarra and in which also participates the Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra. Patients receive conventional treatment and then, in a randomized fashion, are given or not given the immunotherapy combination. We believe that immunotherapy treatment will reduce the risk of relapse, which is currently found in approximately 50% of cases".

According to Dr. Melero, "participation in this subject trial is the only possible way to begin to know whether the treatment benefits patients, which we consider likely in light of the results we have published."

To Dr. Steinman's report

Dr. Ralph Steinman was the discoverer of dendritic cells, along with Zarvin Cohn, at high school Rockefeller in New York. "He observed that these cells, a very scarce population at issue, were capable of jump-starting lymphocytes, which perform the function of protecting us from viruses hidden in the body's cells. Early on, attempts were made to manipulate these cells to awaken and amplify the immune response to tumors. The published article is dedicated to the report of this researcher who died last September, victim of pancreatic cancer, 48 hours before it was made public that he had been awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology. award Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology"Dr. Melero recalls.