Presence of T-Cells Predicts Survival in
Ovarian Cancer
A new study conducted at Penn finds that immune
system T cells may play a vital role in whether
a woman survives ovarian cancer. The innovative
work, spearheaded by George
Coukos, MD, PhD, Gynecologic Oncologist and
Assistant Professor at the Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania, supports ongoing research efforts
to fight cancer by boosting the body's built-in
defenses.
The study reasons that because T cells can directly
attack foreign, infected or cancerous cells,
looking for T cells within ovarian tumors could
help doctors predict a woman's prognosis and
guide her treatment. Depending upon a woman’s
stage of cancer and her response to surgery and
chemotherapy, those with T cell-containing tumors
remained progression-free up to 10 times longer
than those without.
Dr. Coukos states, “T cells help orchestrate
the body's overall immune response, and can directly
attack foreign, infected or cancerous cells.
The belief is that, when T cells are able to
infiltrate tumors, a strong immune response 'kicks
in' during treatment and lasts into the long-term.”
Going forward, Dr. Coukos is looking into the
possibility of using an immune-boosting treatment
approach. This would be similar to a cancer "vaccine" to
enhance patients' natural T cell response, or
to generate a response in patients who lack a
spontaneous one.
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