We have no doubt about how remarkable our body’s immune system is in fighting invading bacteria and viruses and restoring us to health after an illness. Even so, the current outcomes from a report by Cardiff University are set to generate a new and unanticipated advancement: stopping cancer in its tracks.
Scientists uncovered a particular kind of immune cell, a T-cell, located in our blood, which can scan and destroy threats – including an array of cancer cells: ovarian, cervical, blood, kidney, prostate, lung, colon, and many more. And astonishingly, this new cancer treatment left all normal tissue intact.
The newly uncovered T-cell works with a particular molecule located on the surface of every cell throughout our body, referred to as the MR1 molecule. The theory is that the MR1 is alerting the T-cell of any cancer cell distortions. Garry Dolton, who was 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.”
While there is currently an equivalent kind of treatment, called CAR-T, which has shown extraordinary results in bringing individuals from a terminal status to complete remission, it’s only been shown to be effective in certain forms of cancer, and not “solid cancers” (those that form tumors). This new discovery has shown thus far to impact all types of cancer. Here’s how it works:
- Blood is obtained from a patient diagnosed with cancer.
- The blood is filtered to remove T-cells.
- A specific type of harmless virus is injected into the T-cells, allowing them to pick up on cancer cells.
- These cells are then copied in a lab, and inserted back into the patient.
Studies have been remarkably effective in animal trials, and with further safety checks, the next step is likely to be human trials. As outlined 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.”
As we keep an eye out for further information on this particular groundbreaking new cancer treatment, you can rely upon Amy’s Helping Hands, the Windsor-Essex home care specialists, when it comes to the finest quality care for individuals with cancer as well as other health conditions. Just some of the many ways we are able to assist include:
- Meal planning and preparation, specific to any dietary limitations or challenges
- Warm companionship
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Running errands, which can include picking up prescription medications and trips to the market
- Transportation to medical appointments/procedures and outings
- And a whole lot more
Make the first step to a greater quality of life for a senior you adore. Reach out to us online or at 519.915.4370 and request an in-home meeting.
