A possible new approach to treat lung cancer, scientists have found the University of Giessen and the Max-Planck-Institute for heart and lung research in Bad Nauheim. According to their findings, a therapy on the so-called tumor could goals-associated macrophages. These immune cells collect around the cancer and to fight him actually, can promote its growth but also. They occur in large numbers, the prognosis of the patient is bad.

The researchers have identified as the cause for the change of role of immune cells in a signal path, wherein the Protein Beta-Catenin plays a role. Active ingredients that attack there could be the reprogramming of adult cells called macrophages so that they can attack the Tumor. The work was published in the journal “Science Advances”.

lung cancer is often fatal; only 14 percent of Patients survive the first five years after diagnosis. Immune therapies are already in, but in all patients.

Link to the study: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/23/eaaz6105