Welcome to One Network Wellington Live, where we bring you the latest in health and science from our vibrant city. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of immunology and its pivotal role in cancer therapy, spotlighting the pioneering work of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research right here in Wellington.

Understanding Immunology and Cancer

Immunology is the study of the immune system, which is our body’s natural defence against infections and diseases, including cancer. The immune system works by identifying and destroying abnormal cells, which in many cases, includes cancer cells. Research shows that immune cells, known as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), are often found within and around tumors, indicating an immune response. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, patients with TILs in their tumors tend to have better outcomes.

How Cancer Evades the Immune System

Despite the immune system’s vigilance, cancer cells have developed several strategies to evade detection and destruction:

• Genetic Changes: Cancer cells can mutate in ways that make them less visible to the immune system.
• Immune Suppression: They might express proteins that deactivate immune cells.
• Environmental Manipulation: Cancer cells can alter the surrounding tissue to create an environment less conducive to immune attack.

Immunotherapy: Enhancing the Immune Response Against Cancer

Immunotherapy is a revolutionary approach in cancer treatment that enhances the immune system’s natural ability to fight cancer. Here’s how different types of immunotherapy work:

1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

These drugs block proteins called checkpoints on immune cells that normally prevent overactive immune responses. By blocking these checkpoints, the drugs allow T-cells to attack cancer cells more effectively. A study from the New England Journal of Medicine highlighted that checkpoint inhibitors can increase the five-year survival rate by up to 16% in melanoma patients.

2. T-cell Transfer Therapy

This therapy involves taking T-cells from a patient’s tumor, enhancing them in the lab to better target cancer, and then reintroducing them into the patient. The Malaghan Institute made headlines by initiating New Zealand’s first clinical trial of CAR T-cell therapy, a subtype of T-cell transfer therapy, which has shown remission rates of up to 80% in certain blood cancers.

3. Monoclonal Antibodies

These are lab-made proteins that can bind to specific targets on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system. Monoclonal antibodies like Rituximab have been pivotal in treating lymphomas, with response rates of about 60-70%.

4. Treatment Vaccines

Unlike preventive vaccines, these are designed to treat existing cancer by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells. For instance, the prostate cancer vaccine Sipuleucel-T has shown to extend survival by several months in advanced cases.

5. Immune System Modulators

These agents can broadly or specifically enhance immune responses. Drugs like Interleukin-2 have been used to boost the immune system’s attack on renal cell carcinoma, with some patients achieving long-term remission.

The Malaghan Institute’s Contribution

The Malaghan Institute, located in Wellington, is at the forefront of this research. Their work spans cancer, allergies, inflammation, and infectious diseases, but their initiation of the CAR T-cell therapy trial marks a significant milestone. This therapy involves genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can specifically target cancer cells. The trial’s success could pave the way for more personalized and effective cancer treatments in New Zealand.

Conclusion

To ensure this vital information reaches as many Wellingtonians as possible,  We encourage our readers to share this article, discuss it in community forums, and stay updated with One Network Wellington Live for more local health breakthroughs.

By understanding and supporting local research like that of the Malaghan Institute, we’re not just learning about science; we’re actively participating in a community effort to combat cancer. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s continue to foster a health-conscious Wellington together.