How do white blood cells help fight cancer?
Article Source: Heliyon
Why you should care
Our bodies have a natural defense system against illnesses, including cancer. Understanding how white blood cells combat cancer can help us appreciate the importance of a healthy immune system and the advancements in cancer treatments.
Answering the question… How do white blood cells help fight cancer?
White blood cells, especially T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, play a crucial role in identifying and destroying cancer cells. They patrol the body, recognize abnormal cells, and eliminate them to prevent tumor development. For instance, NK cells can target and kill tumor cells without prior sensitization.
How was the study done?
Researchers have conducted various studies to understand the role of white blood cells in fighting cancer. For example, in some studies, scientists have isolated specific white blood cells from patients, enhanced their cancer-fighting abilities in the lab, and then reintroduced them into the patient's body to target tumors more effectively.
What was discovered?
- In a study involving 25 patients with advanced melanoma, 50% responded positively to treatment with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), leading to tumor reduction.
- Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, when stimulated with interleukin-2, demonstrated the ability to destroy cancer cells in vitro, with a 60% success rate in certain cancer types.
- CAR T-cell therapy has shown remarkable results, with studies reporting an 80% remission rate in patients with specific types of blood cancers.
Why does it matter?
Understanding the role of white blood cells in combating cancer has led to innovative treatments that harness the body's immune system. These therapies offer hope for more effective and personalized cancer treatments, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.