Cancer cells can damage nerve coverings, leading to nerve injury, chronic inflammation, and immunotherapy resistance. According to a new study published in Nature, targeting the signaling pathways involved in this process may reverse resistance and improve treatment response.
Researchers found that cancer cells break down protective myelin sheaths around nerves, causing nerve injury that triggers chronic inflammation and immune exhaustion. This can lead to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, making it harder for patients with certain types of cancer to respond to immunotherapy.
The study highlights the importance of investigating interactions between cancer and the nervous system, known as cancer neuroscience. By targeting the pathway involved in nerve injury, researchers hope to develop new treatments that can improve patient outcomes.
This research was conducted by a team led by Dr. Moran Amit, who believes that understanding the mechanisms behind tumor-neuro-immune dynamics can lead to new approaches for treating resistance to immunotherapy. The study’s findings have significant implications for patients with squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and stomach cancer.
The researchers used advanced techniques to analyze trial samples and found that targeting the nerve injury pathway can reverse resistance and improve treatment response. This approach may also help reduce perineural invasion, a process where tumors infiltrate nerves, leading to poor prognosis and treatment escalation.
Source: https://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/cancer-associated-nerve-injury-leads-to-chronic-inflammation-and-immunotherapy-resistance.h00-159778812.html