March 5, 2020 by
We are already aware of how amazing our body’s immune system is in fighting invading bacteria and viruses and restoring us to health following an ailment. Even so, the most current discoveries from a report by Cardiff University are positioned to generate an innovative and unanticipated development: stopping cancer in its tracks.
Researchers discovered a certain type of immune cell, a T-cell, located in our blood, which can scan and remove threats – including a wide range of cancer cells: prostate, colon, kidney, lung, cervical, ovarian, blood, and numerous others. And incredibly, all normal tissue is left untouched.
The discovered T-cell works with a particular molecule found on the surface of every cell in our body, referred to as the MR1 molecule. The theory is that the MR1 is alerting the T-cell of any cancer cell malformations. Garry Dolton, who was an important part of the research team, explains, “We are the first to describe a T-cell that finds MR1 in cancer cells – that hasn’t been done before; this is the first of its kind.”
Although there is currently a comparable kind of therapy, called CAR-T, which has shown extraordinary results in bringing patients from a terminal status to complete remission, it is only shown to be effective in certain forms of cancer, and not “solid cancers” (those that form tumors). The discovery of this new cancer treatment has demonstrated so far to impact all types of cancer. Here’s how this new cancer treatment will work:
- Blood is obtained from a patient diagnosed with cancer.
- The blood is filtered to remove T-cells.
- A specific type of innocuous virus is injected into the T-cells, letting them pick up on cancer cells.
- These cells are then replicated in a lab, and inserted back into the patient.
Cancer research has been tremendously successful in animal trials, and with additional safety checks, the next step is likely to be human trials. As indicated by Daniel Davis, professor of immunology at the University of Manchester, “There is no question that it’s a very exciting discovery, both for advancing our basic knowledge about the immune system and for the possibility of future new medicines.”
While we keep an eye out for more information on this development, you can rely upon At Home Independent Living for top quality care for those with cancer and other chronic conditions. Just a few of the various ways we can assist you include:
- Meal planning and preparation, specific to any nutritional limitations or difficulties
- Warm and friendly companionship
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Running errands, which can include picking up prescription medications and grocery shopping
- Accompaniment to medical appointments/procedures and interesting outings
- And much more
Take the first step to an enhanced quality of life for an older adult you love. Call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) and request an in-home meeting and learn why we’re one of the top Syracuse in home senior care agencies families recommend most. To learn more about all of the areas we serve throughout New York state, please visit our Service Area page.